Vol. 4 No. 35 | August 26, 2021 | www.grainvalleynews.com
2021 proposed property tax levy reduced by $.15 In a public hearing during the August 23rd Board of Aldermen meeting, Finance Director Steven Craig reported the 2021 proposed property tax levy will be reduced by $.15 per $100 of assessed value. No residents requested to address the board during the public hearing.
In other business, the Board voted to approve the first reading of an ordinance which would approve the final plat of Rosewood Hills subdivision. The 11th plat includes 29 single-family lots. The next regularly scheduled board meeting will be held Monday, September 13, 2021 at 7:00pm at City Hall.
FREE
Youth Court accepting applications for volunteer attorneys Applications for student trainees for the Eastern Jackson County Youth Court fall training are now being accepted. Training will begin Thursday, September 2nd. Applications may be found at www.ejcyc.com.
The community service opportunity is open to students in 8-12th grades, especially those interested in careers in Criminal Justice or law related fields or those with a passion for speech and debate.
Good News: RSVP for September 1st Senior Citizens Luncheon
Image credit: City of Grain Valley
File photo The next Senior Citizens Luncheon will be held September 1st from 11:30am—1:00pm at the Grain Valley Community Center. Blood sugar and blood pressure testing will start at 10:45am.
A donation of $3 is recommended for the luncheon. September’s menu includes pot roast, mashed potatoes, and chocolate cake. To RSVP for the luncheon, email snadeau@cityofgrainvalley.org or call 816-847-6293.
Fall Internship Opportunity Gain valuable experience working with a community newspaper. This paid internship opportunity is open to college students pursuing a career in journalism, or for high school seniors intending to study journalism. The successful candidate must be deadline oriented, producing quality news stories on a weekly basis. Internships are approximately 5-8
hours per week, with at least one evening commitment per week, covering government or education related meetings. Most work can be done remotely, working around school and work schedules. Submit cover letter, resume, and at least three references to news@grainvalleynews.com.
Image credit: ECJYC
In This Edition: Looking Back: Twenty-Five Years Ago
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First Day of School pictures
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Sports: Grain Valley Softball Preview
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Cover Image: Grain Valley junior Ella Clyman, right, ranges to her right to field a bunt as Emma Ogle takes off for second base. Photo credit: Michael Smith
2 GVPD to host Community Forum to address drug trends The Grain Valley Police Department will continue its Community Forum series on Thursday, August 26th with a session on drug trends affecting the community. The forum will be held from 6:30pm—7:30pm at First Baptist Grain Valley, 207 W. Walnut. Topics of discussion will include
types of drugs, common signs to look for, how drugs affect the community, driving under the influence, and resources available to residents. There is no cost to attend and reservations are not needed. A 30 minute meet and greet will follow the forum.
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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 August 4-10, 2021.
August 11, 2021 700 Block of Main 400 Block of Rock Creek LN 700 Block of Main 1000 Block of Ambush CT 500 Block of Broadway 700 Block of Main 700 Block of Main 100 Block of Walnut 700 Block of Meadowwood DR 700 Block of Main
Citizen Contact Via Phone Peace Disturbance Citizen Contact Via Phone Possible Property Damage Disturbance Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Found Property Stealing From Auto Citizen Contact for follow up
August 12, 2021 1300 Block of NW ValleyWoods DR Suspicious Person 200 Block of Gregg ST Alarm 100 Block of Sunny LN Verbal Disturbance 1200 Block of Granite DR Alarm 500 Block of Broadway Civil Standby 1400 Block of Mary CT Possible Scam August 13, 2021 1100 Block of Buckner Tarsney 1100 Block of Ephriam 700 Block of Main Woodbury & Duncan 1300 Block of Valley Woods CT 3300 Block of S Outher Belt RD 1200 Block of SW Blue Branch 700 Block of N Main
Disturbance Past Area Check Agency Assist-KCPD Fireworks Suspicious Activity Dealer Application Agency Assist-CJC Extra Patrol Requested
August 14, 2021 3700 Block of Rust RD 1100 Block of Dean 300 Block of Eagles PKWY 300 Block of Eagles 600 Block of NW Jefferson 400 Block of SW Cross Creek
Animal Control Agency Assist-CJC Agency Assist-CJC Physical Disturbance Alarm Property Damage
1100 Block of Buckner Tarsney EB I 70 East of Oak Grove 1100 Block of S Buckner Tarsney 1300 Block of Sycamore DR 200 Block of Gregg ST
Suspicious Activity Agency Assist-MSHP Citizen Contact Noise Complaint Verbal Disturbance
August 15, 2021 1100 Block of NW Casey BLVD 1100 Block of McQuerry 1200 Block of RD Mize RD Mize & Meadow 1200 Block of NW Ashley DR 500 Block of N Main 900 Block of NE Deer Creek DR Buckner Tarsney & RR Tracks Main & I 70 1600 Block of Hilltop LN 700 Block of N Main
Suspicious Person Disturbance Burglary Suspicious Auto Physical Disturbance Physical Disturbance Leaving the Scene Suspicious Party Motorist Assist Welfare Check Trespassing
August 16, 2021 500 Block Woodbury 500 Block Main St 500 Block Willow 100 Block Buckner Tarsney Road 1300 Block Stoneybrooke 100 Block Buckner Tarsney Road 1200 Block Eagles Parkway 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 1300 Block Cedar Ln
Leaving the Scene Alarm Motor Vehicle Accident Suspicious Activity Agency Assist (CJC) Suspicious Activity Suspicious Person Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Animal at Large
August 17, 2021 1100 Block Long Dr Stonebrook and Cross Creek 700 Block Albatross
Suspicious Person Area Check Area Check
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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Looking Back
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Looking Back: Twenty-Five Years Ago by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Last week I took you back fifty years. This week, fast forward to twenty-five years. I went through a notebook filled with newspaper articles from 1996 and found a variety of stories – some good and some not so good. One article, from the Independence Examiner listed the top 10 stories of the year for Blue Springs and Independence and the top 5 stories for Buckner and Grain Valley. The Grain Valley stories were: FBI investigates police department finances; no indictments. Former alderman sentenced for sexual molestation of foster care children. Growing pains: Students and teachers move into new high school; city looks at expansion.
High School football team goes 10-0 in regular season, electrifies town. Eventually lost in state semifinals. Alderman let city administrator go; new mayor elected. Other articles included the “good” story about the repair of the I-70 bridge over Buckner Tarsney and the “bad” backup of traffic on I-70 during rush hours. There was the “good” news of more parks and ball fields in Grain Valley with the “bad” news of lights and noise for the homeowners near the park. With more good news than bad, I read about the approval of Sonic DriveIn coming to town, the success of senior citizen luncheons, and football. The article I found most amusing was
Transitions: James Guillemot James Guillemot, age 83, passed away on Tuesday August 17, 2021 at the Hilltop Grand Village in Wisconsin Rapids.
Jim was born on December 21, 1938 in Lexington, MO to Pierre and Goldie Lee (Swafford) Guillemot. He married Helen Joyce Kelly on November 4, 1961 at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Higginsville, MO He graduated from Lexington High School and also attended Wentworth Military Academy.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Joyce Guillemot of Wisconsin Rapids; children: Russell Eugene (Kay) Guillemot of San Diego, CA, and Michael Kent (Teresa) Guillemot of Wisconsin Rapids; grandchildren: Matthew, Daniel,
Railroad Crossing is still Problem The news isn’t good for people stuck in traffic while waiting for trains to clear Grain Valley. City officials indicated today they are no neared to having a workable solution that gives the desired results. The trains sometimes block traffic for 10 to 30 minutes, also cause problems for fire trucks, ambulances and police vehicles. The article continued for several more paragraphs describing negotiations between the railroad and the city with no real solution. The problem continues today, with no real
Bree (Steve) Cox, and Cori all of San Diego, CA, Thomas of Naperville, IL, and Samuel of Dubuque, IA; great grandchildren: Skyler, Tatum, Lennex Cox of San Diego, CA. He is preceded in death by his brother, Pierre Guillemot Jr. and his parents Pierre and Goldie Guillemot. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association. Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Guillemot family.
Letters to the editor and guest columns are welcome. This is YOUR community news source. Send your letters, comments, and story ideas by email, mail, or send us a message on social media (@grainvalleynews).
Email: news@grainvalleynews.com Mail: Grain Valley News: PO Box 2972, Grain Valley MO 64029
solution! So, to end on a positive note, in 1996 the town of Grain Valley – population estimated at 2, 016 by the U. S. Census Bureau – watched its football team go undefeated all the way to the top of the 2A statewide poll, only to lose in the state semifinals.
The Historical Society has a nice collection of yearbooks from Grain Valley High School. Unfortunately we do not have a 1997 yearbook which would have photos of the 1996 team. If you have yearbooks from 1996 through 2000 that you no longer want, PLEASE consider donating them to the Historical Society Museum!
Grain Valley Fair Parade Entries Due Sept. 3rd The 2021 Grain Valley Fair Parade returns on Saturday, September 11th and will be presented by Grain Valley News. This year’s theme will be “Looking Back. Moving Forward.” As our state celebrates its bicentennial this year, we thought it was a fitting theme to look back at where we have been as a community and look forward to a bright future. Our honorary Grand Marshals, the Grain Valley Historical Society, will receive 100% of the entry fees from this year’s event.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday September 5, 2021 from 1:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. at the Grain Valley Community Center. 713 Main Street, Grain Valley, MO.
Jim was an all-conference Missouri River Valley conference football player and a lifelong enthusiast of the sport. He was also the #1 tireless fan of anyone in his family and an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. He was an enthusiastic supporter of his wife’s horse obsession and enjoyed attending and supporting horse shows. Jim had recently moved to Wisconsin Rapids to be closer to family. He was very much a dedicated family man and a loving husband.
published in the Examiner on September 25, 1996. Here are some excerpts:
To guarantee you are judged and announced, entry forms (and payment, if required) must be received by Friday, September 3, 2021. The parade will begin at 2:00pm with lineup at the high school beginning approximately 12:30pm. Judging will occur on the parade route. There is no fee for school or nonprofit organizations. For entry forms and more information, visit www.grainvalleynews.com/parade, or email news@grainvalleynews.com.
Business
4 Something we can all agree on, for a change by Phil Hanson, President and CEO, Truman Heartland Community Foundation Recently, the annual report on charitable giving in the United States was released by Giving USA through the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy research. This annual report was first published in 1956 and is recognized in the philanthropy world as the best source for charitable giving information. The great news is that charitable giving was up 3.8% in 2020 and totaled $471.44 billion. So, even during a pandemic and the shutdown of the economy resulting in the loss of 9.6 million jobs, our fellow citizens continued their tradition of generosity. And this increase is driven by individual giving, with 69% of total giving ($324.10 B) coming from individuals and an additional 9% coming from individuals through bequests, for a total of 78%. There is a great deal of anecdotal information (not formal research) regarding the increased giving of those who still had jobs and were not as impacted by the pandemic using stimulus check money for donations to
assist their neighbors in greater need. Gifts from Foundations is the secondlargest source of charitable giving totaling $88.55 Billion in 2020, or 19% of the total. I was pleased to see this category had the most significant increase in 2020 and was up 15.6%. We experienced a similar increase at Truman Heartland Community Foundation, with our total of grants and scholarships increasing to $5.4 Million in 2020 from $4.8 Million in 2019, up 12.5%. And the 250 families that we serve through providing a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) increased their grants in 2020 by 21%. We have the privilege of working with some of the most generous people in our community who truly responded generously last year. When there seem to be so many things that we disagree about, things that divide us. It's great to see that the tradition of charitable giving is something we all agree on and value, and it remains strong even during a pandemic. That is something of which all Americans should be proud.
September Partnership Luncheon: September 7th Mark your calendars for the next Grain Valley Partnership luncheon on September 7th. Networking begins at 11:30am, with
lunch from Noon—1:00pm. Reservations are $15. For more information and to register, visit www.growgrainvalley.org.
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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Missouri lawmakers discuss election security in hearing marked by conspiracy theories by Rebecca Rivas, Missouri Independent (www.missouriindependent.com) The Missouri House Elections Committee convened Tuesday to discuss ways to alter the initiative petition process and improve election security. And over the course of more than three hours, lawmakers heard a parade of debunked conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. “I’m convinced the country suffered the greatest cyber attack in the history of the world that was ordered and orchestrated by the Chinese Communist Party,” retired military analyst David Stevens told the committee. Stevens was referencing a conspiracy peddled by MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell that claims the Chinese were behind President Joe Biden’s 2020 victory. During his August symposium, Lindell offered $5 million to any cyber security expert who could prove his claims wrong, which at least one former military cyber expert, a longtime Republican from Texas, has said he easily can. Others testifying Tuesday were similarly enamored with Lindell’s theories, including Rep. Ann Kelly, a Lamar Republican who doesn’t serve on the elections committee but testified about attending a symposium in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, organized by Lindell. Missouri resident Keith Carmichael testified about false voter-fraud theories from Ohio mathematician Douglas Frank, which have been disproven by a Republican-led Michigan Senate Oversight Committee. Working together, Frank and Lindell contend they can prove voting machines were hooked up to the internet, which both Ohio and Missouri laws prohibit. “Just a moment ago, a veteran military analyst told you that you were attacked,” testified Missouri resident Keith Carmichael. “I don’t know if you were listening. Nobody ran out. I didn’t see anybody call home. I know during 1941 when Pearl Harbor was attacked, I imagine people just stopped what they were doing.” There is no evidence of widespread voter fraud or irregularities during the
2020 election. The witnesses were met with numerous objections from both Republican and Democrat committee members. Election officials at both the state and county levels also testified for several hours to dispel the false claims. “We do have a very secure system that all of our election authorities use,” said Trish Vincent, chief of staff for Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft. “We put in layers of security to make it doubly secure.” However, Vincent quickly added that a bill to require a photo ID to vote — an idea that has been repeatedly rejected by Missouri courts — would be one way to dispel mistrust and increase voter confidence. “We’ve been wrestling with that for a number of years,” she said. The GOP-dominated General Assembly made requiring a photo ID to vote and making it harder to change state law through the initiative petition process top priorities this year. But the session ended in May without any of the election bills finding their way to Gov. Mike Parson’s desk. Tuesday’s hearing is seen as clear indication that election legislation will once again sit atop the GOP agenda when lawmakers return to Jefferson City in January. Rep. Ashley Aune, D-Kansas City, said Tuesday’s hearing was part of a strategy to sow seeds of doubt and distrust in the electoral system. Even though the Republican committee members didn’t outwardly support the election-fraud conspiracy theories touted by witnesses, Aune said she had serious concerns about the level of legitimacy they gave the claims by inviting witnesses to talk about them. “They just need to put it out there, and leave people to stew on it,” Aune said. “It paves the way to create policies to make our elections ‘safer’ if they think they are unsafe.” At one point in the meeting, the committee’s chair Rep. Dan Shaul, RJefferson, said that he brought forth the
issues of “data hacking” to make sure the state’s election authorities have the tools they need. “That was my purpose today to make sure that we talked about these odd things that could impact the integrity and the trustworthiness of our systems,” Shaul said. The first hole in Lindell’s Chinese cyber attack theory is that election authorities don’t certify election results via the Internet, said Rep. Peggy McGaugh, a Carrollton Republican, vice chair of the elections committee and a former county clerk. Greene County Clerk Shane Schoeller, a Republican and former state legislator, agreed. “Missouri is a paper ballot state,” Schoeller said. “We certify elections off of paper. We use electronic equipment on election night in order to be able to put uncertified results out to the public.” All that equipment is certified by the Secretary of State’s Office. They use an encrypted memory stick that’s certified by a bi-partisan election team.
Schoeller walked through the “rigorous auditing” steps that the election results go through after election night. “We have these safeguards in place,” he said. “I think we all agree, we are going to trust but we are going to verify.” Aune said a public school in her district had to close down for two days because their system was hacked. She co-sponsored the Missouri Cybersecurity Act, which lawmakers approved in May and will establish a commission of cybersecurity experts to address issues like this. It goes into effect on Aug. 28. If lawmakers are interested in cybersecurity, they should ignore baseless election conspiracies to focus on safeguarding utilities and entities like public schools, she said. “That’s where our time should be spent,” Aune said. “Let’s put our attention where we know we need it.”
Back to School
6 It’s one of our favorite days of the year. We asked on social media, and once again Grain Valley shared countless wonderful first day of
school photos. Valley News wishes every student and teacher a wonderful school year!
Back to School
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Your Health
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Great ways to keep your mind sharp as you age (StatePoint) September, which is World Alzheimer’s Month, is an excellent reminder to keep your mind and body healthy through the years. Experts say that doing so can reduce your risk for cognitive decline. Try taking on these new hobbies to keep your mind sharp as you age: Cooking: Not only can the development of a new complicated skill such as cooking improve cognitive functions like problem-solving and concentration, but having the ability to create your own nutritious meals at home has the added benefit of being good for brain health. From TikTok tutorials to online classes taught by master chefs, today, there are more avenues for picking up culinary know-how than ever before.
Music: Learning to play a musical instrument has countless benefits for brain health, helping improve memory, hand-eye coordination and more. It’s also a mood booster, which is important, as depression is considered a risk factor for dementia. Check out instruments designed to build skills quickly. Whether you’re a total novice or taking up the piano after a long hiatus, Casiotone Keyboards, for example, are portable, easy to use and connect to an app that features lessons and more. Exercise: The mind-body connection is strong. For ultimate brain health, stay physically active; and if you can do so outdoors, all the better. Research suggests that connecting with nature is good for one’s mental well-being, reducing stress, anxiety and depression. Support your journey with tools that
track your activity and inspire you to delve further into adventures, whether that be hiking, fishing or rock climbing. The watches in the Pro Trek line feature Quad Sensor technology to provide you with temperature and barometric pressure so you can keep your eye on the weather conditions while out and about, as well as sunrise and sunset times, an app for anglers and much more. Camaraderie: Having an active social life can improve brain function. Unfortunately, if you aren’t proactive about it, there are not always that many opportunities to make new friends in adulthood. Whether it’s a sewing circle or a bowling league, consider joining a club or team for camaraderie and fun.
Older adults shouldn’t delay preventive health care (StatePoint) Many older adults have been delaying preventive health care during the pandemic because of fear of visiting the doctor’s office. As more people get vaccinated for COVID-19, now may be a good time to make up for gaps in care, according to Dr. Gina Conflitti, chief medical officer for Medicare Advantage at Cigna. “Delaying preventive care can catch up with us, especially as we get older,” says Dr. Conflitti. “As people age, preventive care becomes increasingly important in helping prevent or manage chronic conditions. Doctors’ offices have nationally accepted, evidence-based COVID-19 safety protocols in place and many preventive services are covered by Medicare or Medicare Advantage at no extra cost when visiting a participating or in-network provider.” Each person’s doctor should determine the right services based on age, gender, medical history and health status. Among those to consider are: Annual wellness visit. Covered by Medicare, this is a great way to develop a personalized annual care plan. Among other things, the doctor will ask the patient to fill out a health risk assessment to help determine the services likely needed in the year ahead. The doctor will assess how the patient is feeling physically and emotionally, since mental health often impacts physical
health. It’s important for the patient to be open about their feelings, current condition, and medical history. Mammogram. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Every woman is at risk, but risk increases with age. Fortunately, breast cancer is often treated successfully when found early. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends women 50 to 74 at average risk get a mammogram every two years. Colorectal screening. Like breast cancer, colorectal cancer risk increases with age. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps early so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. The USPSTF recommends screening for adults age 45 to 75. Medicare covers the cost of a screening colonoscopy once every two years for those at high risk or once every 10 years for those at lower risk. Though colonoscopy is the most comprehensive test, providers can help determine the best option for individuals. Bone density scan. USPSTF recommends women aged 65 and older be routinely screened for osteoporosis, a disease in which bones become weak and brittle. According to the agency, routine screening should begin at 60 for
women at increased risk. Screening may facilitate treatment that helps prevent fractures. Eye exam. A routine eye exam is important to identify early signs of eye disease that are more likely as people age. People with diabetes are particularly prone to retinopathy, which leads to vision loss, and it’s recommended they have annual retinal screening exams. Vaccinations. While the COVID-19 vaccine is certainly a top priority, especially for older adults, there are other important vaccines, including flu, pneumonia and shingles. Patients should ask their doctors about current recommendations as autumn approaches and risk potentially increases. “Even in the best of times, health screenings and vaccinations are often a missed opportunity and the pandemic has only made matters worse,” says Dr. Conflitti. “But with these services, individuals can take control of their health in partnership with their doctors. As the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The information contained in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen.
Fast fingers: Did you know that you can use your calculator to keep your mind engaged when there’s downtime or you’re on-the-go? Calculator games can build math skills, improve memory and keep your mind nimble. Just as it is important to maintain physical fitness as you age, it’s also critical to exercise your mind. Stay mentally active by trying new hobbies, building new skills and seeking out new experiences.
Sports
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Grain Valley Softball Preview by Michael Smith The Grain Valley softball team had one of its best seasons in program history in 2020 when it finished 25-5 and made it to the Class 4 state quarterfinals. In that game, Grain Valley fell to Platte County 3-1, ending a tremendous season. After losing just three seniors to graduation from the 2020, the Eagles are reloading for another deep playoff run as the team eyes a state championship in 2021. That effort will be led by the dynamic pitching duo of Hailey Hemme and Avery Huffman. Last season, Hemme was 12-2 with a 1.19 earned-run average, a .894 walks-and-hits per inning pitched and tallied 141 strikeouts in 88 1/3 innings. Huffman was just as good. She was 10-3 with a 1.72 ERA and had 123 strikeouts.
“If I am off one game, I know Avery can come in and pitch an amazing game,” Hemme said. “When she is off, I am there to back her up. We can pitch against anyone in the state and dominate.” Added Huffman: “Haley and I compliment each other very well.” Both players were named to the Class 4 all-state team in 2020, and are a solid one-two punch that could lead the Eagles to the state final four. Typically, teams would have just one ace that pitches the majority of the games. In head coach Garrett Ogle’s case, he has two girls that can step into the circle and dominate. “It’s a good luxury to have,” Ogle said. “You can allow them to rest and pitch every other game. That will help keep their arms strong and help prevent overuse.”
see SOFTBALL on page 11
Junior Ella Clyman lays down a bunt. Photo credit: Michael Smith
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Grain Valley junior Ella Clyman, right, ranges to her right to field a bunt as Emma Ogle takes off for second base. Photo credit: Michael Smith Solution to last week’s puzzle.
Sports
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Strong performance at jamboree shows team is ready for week 1 by Michael Smith The Grain Valley football team had one of the best seasons in program history in 2020 when it posted a 10-2 record and made it to the Class 5 quarterfinals. It was a team that was loaded with talent. And 23 of those players, who were seniors, graduated. That shrouded the 2021 Eagles in uncertainty. Could they replicate or even exceed what they did after losing 23 seniors, including four all-state selections? The answer to that question is just starting to get answered as Grain Valley participated in a four-team jamboree Friday at Murray Moody Memorial Field. The Eagles didn’t look like a team that graduated 23 seniors as they had a strong showing in a jamboree that also featured Truman, Raytown South and Lee’s Summit West. The varsity team scored a total of three touchdowns and only surrendered one. Against Truman, a Suburban White Conference foe, both teams played their backup players. In that matchup, the Eagles scored three touchdowns and only gave up one. “Lee’s Summit West is one of the best teams in the city and we went toe to toe with them,” Allie said. “We also did well against Ray South. They always have speed, and they are coached well. I was very happy with our performance.”
In the jamboree, each team played the other three in scrimmages that allowed squads to run 12 plays on offense and 12 on defense to prepare for the regular season that begins next Friday. All four teams played on the field at the same time. Coaches got to stand a few yards behind their teams and call plays while plays for the offenses started at the opponent’s 30-yard line. One of the questions coming into the season was who was going to replace three-year starter Cole Keller, an allstate selection, at quarterback. Enter Caleb Larson. The junior, who will be starting at quarterback for the first time this season, looked good in his debut against live competition. Against the Titans varsity defense, he rushed for a touchdown on a read option run up the middle and hit wide receiver Logan Pratt on a 30-yard strike for a TD against Raytown South. “He got rid of the jitters and he was ready to go,” Allie said of Larson. “He’s ready to lead us and he did a great job out there.” Added wide receiver Keegan Hart: “Caleb did well with his reads and did what he needed to do. And he had great protection from the offensive line.” Aside from Pratt, Larson has plenty of weapons to throw to as receivers Hart and Anthony Greco each caught two passes apiece. At running back, Grain
Grain Valley sophomore Brek Sloan rolls to his right to try and find an open receiver during practice Monday. Photo credit: Michael Smith
Above: Jacari Hamilton takes off along the sideline during practice Monday. Below: Senior wide receiver Logan Pratt looks for running room after catching a pass. Photo credit: Michael Smith Valley showcased some of their backups as starter Jaxon Wyatt didn’t play for undisclosed reasons. Freshman DJ Harris showed his ability to break tackles while running up the middle. Ty Williams, Christian Lanear and Dalton Larry got some carries, too, behind an offensive line that played well.
Pictured: Kylie Steele Photo credit: Michael Smith
“As a whole, I thought we did exceptional,” Larson said. “There are some things we need to clean up, but we did a good job. “Words can’t describe how much I love those guys and how much work they put in,” Larson said of his offensive teammates.
see FOOTBALL on page 12
Sports SOFTBALL
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continued from page 9
Aiding that pitching duo will be a solid lineup that features a lot of speed, Ogle said. The other returning starters are Ella Clyman, Emma Ogle, Brileigh Sims, Cameryn Bown and Lauren Parker. Some of the top hitters, including Huffman, who .330 last year with one home run, 21 runs-batted in and scored 22 runs and posted a 1.021 on-base-plus slugging percentage. Sims hit .440 with six home runs, 42 RBIs and a 1.237 OPS in 2021. “We have a lot of speed and that will help runners move from base to base,” Ogle said. “In my three years here, I have seen two home runs hit on our field. We have one deepest field in our area. We have girls who can put it over and can go gap to gap all day long.”
And with seven players returning to the field, the defense should be as solid as it was last season. “Our defense was amazing last year,” Hemme said. “I could count on them to make every play. I think the defense will be equal to what it was last year.” With no big weaknesses and the majority of the players from the strong 2020 team returning, the Eagles are reloading for a big season. “We are coming back for a championship for sure,” Huffman said. “We have all the competitors for it. It’s going to be really easy to rebuild.”
Grain Valley senior BriLeigh Sims fields a ground ball during a bunting drill at a practice last Thursday. Photo credit: Michael Smith
Boys Swim Preview by Michael Smith The Grain Valley boys swimming program has come a long way since 2018. That was the year it started under head coach Kara Liddle, who will have seven swimmers and three divers competing during the 2021 season. “It’s night and day,” Liddle said. “I am so excited for this year because with this being the fourth year, these seniors have been with us from the get go. It’s really neat to see the transition from their high school years to how they are now.” While the Eagles may have a small team when compared to other teams, Liddle noted her squad has a lot of talent. “This is a small team so we get to bond a little more,” Grain Valley senior Thomas Fligg said. “We have a lot of heart during the season.” They will be led by Seniors Isaac Burd, Fligg, Riley Fangman, and diver Ashton Barker. Burd will be swimming the 50-meter
freestyle and the 100 free and his main goal is to make it to the Class 1 State Boys Swimming and Diving Championships “I have been trying to lengthen my stroke and move my arms as fast as I can,” Burd said. Fligg plans on competing in the 50 free and the 100 breaststroke. “The key for my breaststroke will be to make my turns as fast as possible,” Fligg said. “When you turn, you start to slow down a little bit. It’s a key part of the swim.” Fangman said he want to build up his endurance so he can help the team out in the 500 free. “I already have pretty good endurance, but I need the strength to carry through.” Fangman said. Like Burd, Barker’s goal is to make it to state, but for him, it will be in the 1meter diving competition. “I have been diving since my freshman year,’ Barker said. “I like twisting. That’s one of my favorite
categories. I just want to get better each time I dive.” Fligg, Burd, Fangman and junior Evan Reich will likely make up two of the team’s three relay teams. Last season, the foursome were just tenths of seconds away from making the state cut in the 200 free relay and 200 medley relay. “They were really close to making it to state,” Liddle said. “They got the consideration cut, but were just a few hundredths of a second away from making the final cut. “Isaac won (the Suburban White Conference) last year in the 100 free. I think he finished second in the conference meet. We all did pretty well in the conference. All of those guys improved. We really want to get a relay to state.” Last season, diver Elizeck Hendricks was the lone Grain Valley representative in the state meet. The Eagles hope to have more qualifiers this time around. “If we push ourselves hard enough, all
“I am so excited for this year because with this being the fourth year, these seniors have been with us from the get go. It’s really neat to see the transition from their high school years to how they are now.” - Head Coach Kara Liddle. File photo: Valley News (four seniors) can make it to state,” Fligg said. Grain Valley will swim in its first meet against Blue Springs South on Aug. 31 at Blue Springs South High School.
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FOOTBALL
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“When I throw the ball to my receivers, I know they are going to catch it and they are going to get down the field and score. And my offensive line was great. Without them, I wouldn’t score.” Allie was impressed with his running backs and really liked what he saw from Harris. “I thought he ran the ball tough,” Allie said of Harris. “For a freshman, he knows how to play physically and knows and can run in space.” Larson had high praise for Harris, as well. “He was running over people, and he was running to the right gaps. He knew what my checks were. He knew everything. Jaxon is going to have some competition this year.”
On defense, middle linebacker Gage Forkner led his unit with an impressive showing, allowing just one passing touchdown against the Titans. Against Raytown South the Eagles defense shut down the opposition, which included a fumble recovery from safety Vincent Wilkins and a sack from Ethan Schaaf. “I thought we did pretty good today, but there are a few things we can fix,” Grain Valley linebacker Cole Elliott said. “I think we will be ready to go 100 percent in Week One.” “We got some guys on defense who are always doing their job. We didn’t have very many missed tackles.” Grain Valley will try to carry its momentum from the jamboree when it plays in its season opener against Smithville on Friday, August 27th.
Community Calendar August 26, 2021
September 6, 2021
Community Forum: Session Two Drug Trends Hosted by Grain Valley Police Department 6:30pm 207 W. Walnut, Grain Valley
Labor Day Grain Valley Schools closed Grain Valley City Hall closed
August 27, 2021 Food Truck Fridays 4:30pm—8:00pm Behind Grain Valley Community Center www.grainvalleyfair.org
August 30, 2021 Grow a Reader Virtual Storytime 10:00am—10:10am Join library staff for Live Zoom Virtual Storytimes for your littles (and maybe for you too)! www.mymcpl.org/events
September 1, 2021 Senior Citizen’s Luncheon 11:30am Grain Valley Community Center RSVP: 816-847-6293.
September 8, 2021 Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting 6:30pm Grain Valley City Hall, 711 Main ST
September 10-11, 2021 Grain Valley Fair Parade: Saturday, Sept. 11th at 2pm For complete schedule of events, visit www.grainvalleyfair.org
September 28, 2021 National Night Out Event 6:00pm—8:00pm The Pavilion at Armstrong Park
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Grain Valley Community Calendar sponsored by
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