Valley News: September 13, 2018

Valley News

September 13, 2018

www.grainvalleynews.com

Vol. 1, No. 13

FREE

Despite Rain, Residents Turn Out for Grain Valley Fair Rain threatened to dampen the fun at the annual Grain Valley Fair last weekend, but residents turned out in force for the parade, 5K, and various activities at the fairgrounds. Mayor Mike Todd and the Fair committee were pleased with the results.

“Despite the rain it went pretty well. We were really impressed with how many people toughed the parade out once it started raining. We thought we were going to be clear for the parade, but it popped up on us a bit,” Todd said.

Saturday morning’s festivities began with a 5K run/walk through Grain Valley. This is the first year for the event, which attracted approximately 167 registrants.

The rain held off for the 5K, but returned for the Noon parade. The weather did not dampen the enthusiasm of the participants or spectators who lined the streets to view parade entries.

FOCUS for Grain Valley offered Bingo at the Community Center on Friday evening and in two sessions on Saturday, and over 100 vendors lined the tents and fairgrounds behind the Community Center.

pop--up shower did not dampen spirits at the Grain Valley Fair parade on Saturday, September 8th. The Grain A pop Valley Police Chief led the way, with the color guard following.

Photo credit: Diana Luppens, Switch Focus Studios Drone racing, a petting zoo, and cornhole tournament provided additional entertainment.

The popular Baby and Toddler Contest was held again this year to raise funds for the Grain Valley Fair scholarship.

The winners of this year’s contest included: 0-6 months: Lucas Cooley

Aldermen Discuss Resurfacing of City Hall Lot, Appoint Park Board Member A light agenda at Monday’s Board of Aldermen meeting was likely welcome after many of the City staff and elected officials put in a long weekend working the Grain Valley Fair.

Dollar General Store has taken preliminary steps to request a liquor license. The topic of resurfacing the City Hall parking lot was also raised under new business.

City Administrator Ryan Hunt explained the City Hall parking lot is in need of resurfacing. Alderman Coleman suggested patching in lieu of resurfacing, as the City may be

vacating the area in the future with the proposed development of the Sni-A-Bar farm property and subsequent move of City Hall to the property. Hunt indicated patching would not be sufficient given the condition of the lot.

In other business, the Board unanimously approved the appointment of Brian Bray to the Grain Valley Park Board for a three year term.

The next Board of Alderman meeting will be held at 7:00pm on September 24th at City Hall.

6 months - 12 months: Avery Young 12 months - 2 years: JoAnna Porter 2 years- 4 years: Aiden Kurth Several bands were featured throughout the fair, with a capacity crowd enjoying music and the beer garden on Saturday evening.

“The bands seemed to be a big hit as well. It was standing room

only for portions of Saturday night so we will definitely have to look at adding some more seating for next year,” Todd said.

Additional information on the Fair and photos from the 2018 event can be found at www.grainvalleyfair.com and on their Facebook page (@grainvalleyfair).

Good News

The Grain Valley High School Cheer Team was awarded best float in the Grain Valley Fair parade on Saturday, September 8th. The team will host a Little Eagles Clinic for elementary students on September 24th. See story on page 7 for more information.

Photo credit: Diana Luppens, Switch Focus Photography

Local News

Page 2

Grain Valley Resident, Business Missouri Dept. of Conservation Hosts Free Family Outdoors Day Owner Joins Central Methodist University as Admissions Recruiter on September 22nd Behind many students who make the tough decision where they’d like to attend college is usually a talented admissions recruiter who stood out from the rest.

A large number of high school students chose to attend Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri, between 2007 and 2015 thanks to one talented, recordholding recruiter.

Mahurin graduated from Central Methodist in 2007, and holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies. During her last year at Central Methodist (2015), Julia Mahurin, a Glasgow native, individually recruited 95 students to Central – impressively surpassing admissions goals for her recruitment area by over 20 students. Now, she has returned to CMU – her alma mater – with the mission to once again exceed goals for the benefit of Central.

“Central Methodist is a fantastic University – one that helped me discover my passions and pursue them in my profession,” Mahurin said. “I’m so excited to have the opportunity to once again shine light on the excellence of Central, and encourage high school

students to discover it for themselves.”

Mahurin will be recruiting for Central’s Admissions Department part time, focusing on the Kansas City area as a regional admission representative. She, her husband, Dan, and their children reside in Grain Valley – just outside of Kansas City.

“Julia’s impressive background recruiting students for Central makes her the perfect fit for our team,” Dr. Joe Parisi, vice president for Enrollment Management at CMU said. “Through her talent and passion for Central, I believe she will guide prospective students in seeing CMU as a place they belong, therefore enriching our efforts to meet enrollment goals.”

When Mahurin worked for Central years ago, she began her career as an Admission Representative. During her eight years at the University, she was promoted to Assistant Director of Admission, and then Associate Director of Admission.

It was in 2015 that she relocated to Grain Valley, where she is now the owner of The Mahurin Agency, a property and casualty insurance company.

Early autumn is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors. A free Family Outdoors Day 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22, at the James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Lee’s Summit will help people connect with nature and learn skills for outdoor sports. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and Ducks Unlimited (DU) are hosts along with Nathan’s Catch, a non-profit devoted to fishing.

This event offers visitors a chance to see exhibits and talk about conservation with MDC staff and volunteers. Experts will provide tips about fishing, pellet gun target shooting, archery and other outdoor skills. All equipment is provided.

Actual fishing at a lake is offered with volunteers helping with casting, bait, and handling fish. Helping families enjoy the outdoors is MDC’s and DU’s way of celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day. Family Outdoors Day welcomes those experienced with rod or gun and those who would like to learn more about angling and shooting sports. Exhibits and teaching stations will be set up throughout the Reed Wildlife Area at 12405 S.E. Ranson Road. Nathan’s Catch will give away fishing rods and reels to youths.

DU volunteers will offer free Greenwing Memberships to youngsters and teach them how to use a duck call. Families can explore the duck wing maze and learn about how wetlands and uplands benefit waterfowl and people. DU’s efforts are supported by the J.E. Fehsenfeld Family Foundation in memory of Jan M. Dillow.

The target archery and air rifle ranges will have MDC staff and volunteers on hand to give instructions on safety and proper shooting techniques. All equipment will be provided for free. Visitors can also try tossing the atlatl dart, the primitive hunting tool that pre-dated the bow and arrow. Displays of real animal furs and skill tests such as wildlife identification will also be offered. Live turtles will be displayed for visitors to see and touch.

MDC’s Reed Area has a tradition of connecting people with nature dating to the 1950s. National Hunting and Fishing Day began in 1972. The event is dedicated to promoting conservation and the outdoor sports.

For more information call 816-6220900. To learn about Missouri’s great fishing and hunting opportunities http:// statewide go to www.mdc.mo.gov.

Police Blotter

The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of August 29-September 4th, 2018.

August 29, 2018 1100 Block Roy Dr 700 Block Hillside 700 Block Main St 1600 Block High View 1200 Block Woodbury 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 1500 Block Jaclyn Dr 200 Block Walnut 600 Block Shorthorn

August 31, 2018 Agency Assist (OGPD) Alarm Citizen Contact Alarm Civil Standby Check the Well Being Disturbance Stealing Citizen Contact Abandoned Vehicle Suspicious Activity

August 30, 2018 700 Block Main St 1100 McQuerry Rd 700 Block Main St 800 Block Brome 700 Blk Montana Rdg 100 Block Rock Creek 13th & Broadway Sni-A-Bar & Lakeview 200 Blk Rock Creek Dr 600 Block Shorthorn 600 Block Nelson

Fingerprints Open Door Fingerprints Disturbance Citizen Contact Alarm Agency Assist (OGPD) Suspicious Vehicle Residency Check Assault Parking Complaint

1800 Block Pond Ave Open Door 100 Block McQuerry Suspicious Vehicle 1000 Block Burr Oak Ln Alarm 1000 Block Burr Oak Ln Open Door 300 Block Front St Assist Animal Control 200 Block Aaron Ln Disturbance Meadow & Scenic Suspicious Person 700 Block Main St Suspicious Juvenile Activity 100 Block McQuerry Suspicious Vehicle 700 Block Main St Stealing 1100 Block Main St Agency Assist (CJC) 200 Block Aaron Ln Disturbance 800 Block San Kar Alarm 1200 Block Valley Ridge Dr Alarm 800 Block San Kar Disturbance 800 Block San Kar Assault 1000 Block Willow Dr Agency Assist (CJC) 1500 Block Erin Ct Alarm 1100 Block Sandy Ln Motor Vehicle Accident September 1, 2018 100 Block Rock Creek 700 Block Nelson Dr 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St

Alarm Disturbance Harrasment Civil Matter

Harris St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 200 Block Front St 1800 Block Rosewood 800 Block Nelson Ct 700 Block Lee Ann Cir 1100 Block Dean Dr 700 Block Main St 300 Block Old 40 Hwy 1200 Blk Valley Ridge Dr 1600 Block High View Dr

Agency Assist (IPD) Hit and Run Accident Harrasment Citizen Contact Disturbance Trespassing Property Damage Alarm Follow Up Report Towed Vehicle Alarm Civil Standby

September 2, 2018 1500 Block Nicholas Dr 1600 Block High View Dr 700 Block Main St 100 Block Rock Creek 800 Block Brome 700 Block Foxtail Dr 20th Block of Central 2100 Block Sycamore 36000 Blk Steinhauser 1200 Block Phelps Rd EE Kirby & Front St

Animal at Large Animal at Large Citizen Contact Found Property Disturbance Noise Disturbance Agency Assist (BPD) Noise Disturbance Agency Assist (JCSO) Assault Shoplifting

September 3, 2018 Sni-A-Bar & Whitestone Jefferson & Jefferson 700 Block Main St 900 Block Dogwood 700 Block Main St

Animal Control Motor Vehicle Accident BAC Test Assist Alarm BAC Test Assist

September 4, 2018 3000 Block Fields Rd 1200 Block Ashley Dr 1200 Block Cedar Ln 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 700 Block Main St 1200 Blk Indian Creek Ct 800 Blk Montana Ridge 100 Block Rock Creek 200 Block Front St

Citizen Contact Dog Bite Suspicious Person Warrant Surrender Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Disturbance Tampering with Utilities Keeping the Peace Alarm Disturbance

Correction:

Sang Thi Duong’s name was misspelled in the caption on page 5 of the September 6th edition.

We welcome corrections by email to news@grainvalleynews.com.

Education & Youth

Page 3

Director of Curriculum, Staff Help Students Connect to Coursework

by Cathy Allie, Staff Writer

The last bus pulled away from the school, teachers hauled their belongings to cars, and custodians began the cleaning cycle. School was out for the summer. But summer work had just begun for Glenna Bult, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Grain Valley School District, and for staff throughout the district who assist with curriculum revision and delivery.

Summer curriculum work is typical fare in the district, and Bult helps guide the work. Examples of the work appear at all grade levels, Kindergarten through 12th grade, and Bult recognizes the importance of it.

"We are constantly looking at state and district standards to see if we are doing the best job we can of delivering curriculum and of providing ways for students to connect to that curriculum," Bult said.

A representation of Kindergarten through 5th grade teachers have been working over the last two years on a Math Task Force to look at instructional strategies and assessments. Sixth through 8th grade teaching representatives have been echoing that work.

At the high school level teachers examined Language Arts I and II,

ranks among the top school districts in the state of Missouri, having earned an overall score of 94.6% in the most recent state ranking. The ranking takes into account student academic achievement and testing points, evidence that students are

and Pre-AP English II and III for revisions.

Additionally, math teachers reviewed the Pre AP Algebra II curriculum. The high school representatives are also always looking at ACT and SAT scores and how the curriculum can support those areas.

"We are constantly looking at state and district

standards to see if we are doing the best job we can of delivering curriculum and of providing ways

for

curriculum.”

students

to

connect

to

that

Glenna Bult

Director of Curriculum and Instruction Grain Valley School District "We look at so many angles when planning curriculum," Bult said. "We review grade level expectations, as well as International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards. Our goal is to have learning targets that are carefully aligned and then good curriculum to help students meet the targets."

Grain Valley students appear to be benefitting from a solid curriculum and delivery. The district

reaching state goals.

Bult believes the district does a good job of providing the staff with numerous professional development opportunities, many of which happen on late start days or throughout the summer so that teachers can take advantage of the training and not miss teaching days.

Among the professional development sessions are the Student-Centered Coaching model,

Project Based Learning, MultiTiered Support System, and a variety of technology oriented offerings, such as training for the district's 1 to 1 computer initiative.

"We are very invested in professional development and training. Staff can take advantage of opportunities that can help them in almost any teaching role they have,” Bult said. “And we work hard at making it a quality experience for staff.”

“For instance, we are pleased to have the Buck Institute helping train us in Project-Based Learning at the high school and middle school levels. They are very wellknown and respected for their work in that area, and they are helping us lay the groundwork for our program," Bult said.

One district initiative Bult is particularly proud of is the addition of Instructional Coaches at each district elementary. A future Grain Valley News article will feature the Instructional Coaches, who assist with reviewing data, help train other teachers in district initiatives, and can even model teaching or serve as co-teachers. The coaches are also particularly focused on being mentors to 1st and 2nd year teachers.

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 Diana Luppens, Switch Focus Studios | Contributing Photographer Mail: PO Box 2972 Grain Valley MO 64029 Phone: 816.809.7984 Email: news@grainvalleynews.com Sign up for our weekly emails and join us

on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@grainvalleynews).

Page 4

Health & Fitness

Take a Mindfulness Walk

by Sally Whitaker

Studies show that being mindful of the world around you can help calm the mind, improve focus, and create an overall feeling of content.

Instead of looking at the big picture, a mindfulness practice encourages taking a pause and focusing on the moment and surroundings you are currently in.

Research by Craig Anderson, post doctoral scholar at UC San Francisco, has found that getting outdoors and savoring the moment has fascinating results. In one study that included adult veterans and youth that had experienced trauma, they went white water rafting and were encouraged to live in the moment and pay attention to all of the details around them.

After the rafting, researchers found a nearly 30 percent decrease in the PTSD symptoms in the adults, and also the youth. Their stress went down, their happiness went up, and they felt more connected to the people around them.

So, how can you practice this in your daily life? Head outside for a mindfulness walk! It does not matter if it is in a more natural setting, like a wooded trail or park,

or if it is just a quick walk around a suburban block. You will be able to find plenty to soak in regardless of the setting.

Here’s how: Turn off your phone. Seriously.

The best option is to leave it

Taking a mindfulness walk is something anyone can do, it’s great during a work break or to start or end your day.

behind, but if you like it for safety reasons, make sure it is on silent.

Take a deep breath. This will help you become more centered and focused on the present moment. Try to clear your mind of stresses, annoyances, to-do lists, or anything not pertaining to the present moment. Allow those thoughts to take a back seat. It is hard, but it will become a bit easier as you focus on what is around you during the walk.

Begin your walk, and as you walk, become aware of what is around you. What do you see? Feel?

Smell? Hear?

Here are a few questions to ask yourself to get started: What is the weather like? Can you feel a breeze? If there are clouds, what color are they? Are they moving fast or slow?

What sounds do you hear? Cars driving by? A dog barking? Leaves rustling in the breeze?

What can you smell? Cut grass? Car exhaust? Food being grilled?

All of these will change as you continue on your walk. You may find your mind start to wander, and that is okay; just shift your

awareness back to the present moment as often as you can.

The above questions are just a starting point. As you walk you will find your own points to focus on, maybe how warm or cool the air feels, whether the ground is flat or bumpy...the possibilities are endless.

Taking a mindfulness walk is something anyone can do, it’s great during a work break or to start or end your day. Whether it is around the block or a four mile hike, you should feel calmer, happier and more focused upon your return.

You should consult your physician or other health care professional before starting this or any other fitness program to determine if it is right for your needs. Do not start this fitness program if your physician or health care provider advises against it. If you experience faintness, dizziness, pain or shortness of breath at any time while exercising you should stop immediately.

Sally Whitaker is a Pilates and Yoga instructor with 15 years of experience teaching group classes and private clientele, primarily in Independence, MO. During the summer months you can find her teaching Sunset Yoga at Armstrong Park in Grain Valley.

Business News

Page 5

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. www.growgrainvalley.org

FOCUS for Grain Valley Trivia Night FOCUS for Grain Valley will host a Trivia Night on Saturday, September

22nd in the commons area at Grain Valley High School. Doors open at 6:00pm and trivia begins at 6:30pm.

The entry fee is $100 per team. The maximum members per team is 8 and team members must be 16 years of age or older. Cash awards will be presented to the 1st and 2nd place teams. All proceeds from the event will be used for scholarships for Grain Valley students.

Teams may bring their own snacks. Water and soda will be available for purchase. No alcoholic beverages are allowed. Registrants are encouraged to bring cash for a side contest.

The deadline to register is September 17th.

For more information or to register your team, call Jan Reding, 816-2250713, or email janreding@earthlink.net.

Upcoming Partnership Events: September 14, 2018 Hils Pharmacy Grand Opening 9:00am—5:00pm (Ribbon Cutting at 11:00am) 451 A SW Eagles Parkway

September 22, 2018 Tequila and Pearls Boutique Grand Opening 10:00am—6:00pm (Ribbon Cutting at 10:00am) 105 Armstrong Drive

September 15, 2018 T&G Automotive Grand Opening 9:00am – 2:00pm (Ribbon Cutting at 10:00am) 162 S Buckner Tarsney Road

September 28, 2018 Grain Valley Partnership 2nd Annual Golf Classic Shotgun start at 8:00am Call Tasha, 816-443-5162, to register.

September 21, 2018 Coffee Connections 8:00am—Price Chopper Grain Valley Held the 3rd Friday of each month

October 19, 2018 Coffee Connections 8:00am—Price Chopper Grain Valley Held the 3rd Friday of each month

Visit www.growgrainvalley.org for more information on upcoming events.

Home & Garden

Page 6 Loose Leash Walking

by Jess Rush, K-9 Diversity Dog Training

Did you know that going for a walk with your dog is one of the very BEST things you could do for you and your dog’s relationship? If I could recommend just 1 thing - which truthfully is nearly impossible to do - it would be to take your dog on a structured walk!

But, “My dog just pulls me like crazy!”, “He wants to smell EVERYTHING!”, “My dog just wants to say “hi” to everyone she sees!” Don’t worry, below you will find several tips and tricks to have your dog walk next to you and checking in with you in no time!

Structured Walk?

A structured walk means that your dog is walking calmly next to you, not looking all over for something more important or interesting, or charging ahead of you. They are not walking with their nose to the ground, or zig zagging all over the sidewalk. Instead, they are meeting your pace, they are checking in with you and most of all truly enjoying being with you.

Going Outside The first thing you practice is going outside calmly. There is no darting out the door as quickly as possible, pulling you down the stairs and out to the sidewalk as fast as can be.

The goal is to get the door all the way open without your dog moving towards it. Start with a closed door; as soon as you start to open the door and your dog moves to go out of it, shut the door!

Keep repeating until your dog no longer moves as you open the door. If you can, get your dog into a sit, but sitting is not required.

Once you exit the door your dog should then wait for you to shut the door and start walking again – if you can have your dog sit immediately upon exiting the door – not required, but definitely helpful.

If you go to move and the dog tries to run, you stop and return to the door, or just bring it back to you with the leash and try again.

This may take you every bit of 30 minutes the first time, so you may want to practice this several times before adding in any actual walking.

Applying Pressure Next, teach the dog that when it feels the pressure of the collar and the leash, it should give into that pressure, not continue pulling through it.

What is meant by pressure? Just imagine someone trying to move you over. They just slightly push into your shoulder, that is all the pressure you are giving your dog, don’t tug, don’t pull or jerk the leash. Just even, gentle pressure.

With your dog on leash and a regular collar (normal flat or martingale style

collar – no training collars or harnesses), go to a calm location or low distraction environment. Gently apply pressure to your dog’s collar to the left, as soon as your dog takes one-step to the left release pressure and reward.

Same thing with pressure to the right and pressure backwards.

Backwards pressure should be given parallel to the dog’s body; don’t pull up, don’t pull down, just straight back.

180 Turns Once your dog is walking out of your door calmly and starting to understand leash pressure, I want you to get dizzy!

Okay, not actually dizzy, but in the beginning you might get a little dizzy.

Make sure your dog’s collar is fit to where your dog cannot slip out of it, and always practice on leash (if they have a thick neck and smaller head or are really good at slipping out of their collars, look into getting a martingale collar.) Start by getting your dog on your left or right side (it doesn’t matter which, just pick one and stick to it for each training session).

Start walking forward and as soon as your dog starts getting ahead of you.

Immediately turn around and go the opposite direction. If the dog pulls right, you go right. if it pulls right, you go left.

If it stops, you keep walking, they are attached, you have the power!

Don’ Don’ts: ts Don’t say anything to your dog when you turn, no noises, no commands – just turn and go. Don’t slow down or otherwise wait for your dog to catch up with you. Don’t look for your dog. They are on a leash; they will come no matter what.

Do’ Do’s: Let your dog know he is doing good when he is at your side; verbal praise is great, calm physical praise is good as well, and if you and your dog can reward with food and walk at the same time, go for it! Keep a loose leash, there should be a small bend in your leash when your dog is at your side.

180 turns will help your dog learn to check in with you. The dog will be thinking, “I need to pay attention, there’s no telling what my crazy human is going to do next.”

Be sure to follow our next article where we will cover training tools and what to do when you see another dog, human, child or other overly stimulating object.

Here at K9 Diversity we’re always here to help – do you have any questions you would like answered? Or maybe a topic you would like us to cover? If so, feel free to email your comments to k9diversitydogtraining@gmail.com and we’ll respond in future articles.

University of MO Extension Gardening Experts at Your Service

by Cathy Bylinowski, University of Missouri Extension – Jackson County

Hi! I’m Cathy Bylinowski, the horticulture educator for University of Missouri Extension – Jackson County. This will be the first in a series of articles on a wide variety of gardening topics.

University of Missouri Extension (https://extension2.missouri.edu/) is your source for practical information on a wide range of topics. Our distinct land grant university mission is “to improve lives, communities and economies by producing relevant, reliable and responsive educational strategies that enhance access to the resources and research of the University of Missouri.”

My focus is on horticulture, gardening, and the Master Gardener Volunteer Program and I would like to share information on these topics.

Missouri Master Gardeners are University of Missouri Extension volunteers fulfilling the mission to “help others learn to grow.”

Volunteers provide community service at demonstration gardens, historic gardens, and community gardens, as well as at many special events that promote gardening.

Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City also have active programs supporting children’s garden programing, education for members and the public, and a

gardeners’ hotline to answer all your gardening questions (816-833 -TREE [8733] and mggkc.hotline@gmail.com).

Interested in becoming a Master Gardener? Training is offered in two convenient ways: a face-toface class each fall and an online class twice a year. You will also have the opportunity to be paired with a mentor to help you learn even more.

For more information on Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City, visit their website at www.mggkc.org or contact our office (816-252-5051).

Other horticulture questions?

Please contact our office at the above number or send me an email at bylinowskic@missouri.edu for information on gardening in our part of Missouri.

The benefits of gardening are many, ranging from producing nutritious vegetables, beautiful flowers and trees, habitat for pollinators, and healthy exercise, to name a few. Look to the University of Missouri Extension as a reliable source of horticulture and gardening information.

Please also consider the Master Gardener volunteer program as an outlet to share gardening knowledge with others.

Sports

Page 7

Rain, Turnovers, and Mistakes Lead to Eagles First Loss of the Year

by John Unrein

Both Grain Valley and Smithville headed into their Blue Division Suburban Conference debuts undefeated at 2-0, but Smithville’s 29-0 win does not tell the whole story of the evening.

The Eagles were plagued by turnovers throughout the night as well as miscommunication in their offensive backfield that led to negative yardage plays. However, there were bright spots to build on from the game that Grain Valley can use moving forward.

Just as the skies opened and the rain came down, the 1st quarter ended in a 0-0 tie. Both teams struggled to move the ball consistently. Grain Valley’s defense was stingy, coming up with key stops at times, including Smithville turning the ball over on downs

early in the game.

The defensive line was consistently able to get pressure on Smithville’s quarterback during the first half. This was apparent on Smithville’s opening score during the second quarter when quarterback Kellen Simoncic, narrowly escaping a Grain Valley rusher, threw a long scoring pass to tight end Jake Fisher. The ensuing extra point was good, and as Smithville staked the early lead 7-0.

Smithville later added a 35-yard field goal to lead 10-0. Grain Valley’s defense stopped Smithville on three consecutive downs with 4 minutes left to go in the second quarter. The Warriors went to a toss sweep on 4th down that led to a 36-yard touchdown run by running back Isaac Miller. A

Muddy Victory in St. Louis

botched extra point snap kept Smithville’s lead at 16-0.

The first half ended with Grain Valley unable to build momentum.

Quarterback Cole Keller completed a pass to running back Ethan Gasher prior to a backside screen to running back Trent Flake that went for a first down. The drive ultimately stalled as Keller’s pass went incomplete on 4th and 7 prior to halftime.

The second half for the Eagles was defined by Flake’s offensive efforts. He opened the 3rd quarter with a 29-yard run. The junior running back went on to add offensive gains throughout the second half on toss sweeps, a swing pass, and isolation runs.

Flake was consistently tough to bring down gaining yards after

contact. He also completed his only pass of the night in the 4th quarter on a toss pass to wide receiver Gavin Oyler. The completion was good for 51 yards through the air and moved Grain Valley to the Warriors’ 18-yard line before the drive stalled on an interception.

Grain Valley came to close to breaking up the shutout on the next to last play of the game when a touchdown reception from Keller to Oyler was called back due to penalty. The Eagles battled all night trying to overcome the rain, turnovers, and mistakes to no avail.

Grain Valley will look to bounce back as they host their next conference opponent in the Platte County Pirates. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM on Friday, September 14 at Grain Valley.

Little Eagle Cheer & Dance Clinic Grain Valley High School Spirit programs will host their annual Little Eagles Cheer and Dance Clinic on Monday, September 24th at Grain Valley High School. The clinic is open to all interested Kindergarten through 5th grade students.

The program will be held from 6:30pm—8:30pm at the high school.

Participants will learn a cheer, a chant, and a dance, and perform them live at the September 28th Grain Valley High School football game.

The cost to participate is $25 and includes the clinic, a t-shirt, and two guest passes to the 9/28 football game. A discount of $5 is offered for additional siblings.

Funds raised through the program support the high school’s Spirit programs, including travel costs to competitions.

Interested participants can email dcarlson@gvr5.net for a registration form. The deadline to register is September 19th.

Photo courtesy Nick Small, GVHS

Grain Valley Cross Country had an outstanding showing at the Forest Park Invitational in St. Louis last weekend. Freshman Ella Casey won first place with a time of 21:22.70. Alaina Valverde came in at 18th place at 23:04.10. Junior Royce Fisher was first for the Boys with a time of 18:27.60. Collin Clemens finished 10th at 18:48.30.

Coach Nick Small said the team did well adjusting to adverse

conditions.

“I was very proud of the team in their approach to last Saturday. The weather had made course conditions pretty bad. However, the team focused on what they could control and attacked the course with determination and togetherness. They really fought for each other and our team,” Small said.

Football: Varsity vs. Platte County

Softball: Varsity Tournament

Softball: Varsity Game

Tennis: Girls Varsity

Tennis: Girls Varsity @ Marshall

Golf: Girls Varsity @ Adams Pointe Golf Course

Swimming: Boys Varsity Meet

Volleyball: Girls Varsity

The Week Ahead @GVHS 9/14 @ 7:00pm.

@ Marshall 9/15 @ 8:00am

vs. Ozark @ Nixa High School @ 10:30am

9/17 @ 8:00am

Photo credit: Diana Luppens, Switch Focus Photography

GVHS vs. Smithville, @ Grain Valley. 9/117 @ 4:00pm GVHS vs. BSS, @ BS YMCA, 9/18 @ 4:00pm

GVHS vs. Winnetonka @ Winnetonka, 9/18 @ 4:00pm

GVHS vs. Platte County @ Grain Valley, 9/18 @ 7:00pm

Community Calendar September 14, 2018 Hils Pharmacy Grand Opening 9:00am—5:00pm (Ribbon Cutting at 11:00am) 451 A SW Eagles Parkway September 15, 2018 T&G Automotive Grand Opening 9:00am – 2:00pm (Ribbon Cutting at 10:00am) 162 S Buckner Tarsney Road September 15, 2018 Cruzin’ in the Valley Rescheduled due to rain, the car, truck and bike show will be held from 1:00-4:00pm at Valley Speedway, 348 E Old 40 Hwy. September 18, 2018 Park Board Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley Community Center September 20, 2018 Financial Aid and Scholarships 6:30pm Mid-Continent Public Library— Grain Valley Branch http://www.mymcpl.com/events September 21, 2018 Grain Valley Partnership: Coffee Connections 8:00am—Price Chopper Grain Valley Held the 3rd Friday of each month www.growgrainvalley.org September 22, 2018 Tequila and Pearls Boutique Grand Opening 10:00am—6:00pm (Ribbon Cutting at 10:00am) 105 Armstrong Drive September 22, 2018 FOCUS for Grain Valley Trivia Night 6:30pm Grain Valley High School Commons Register by calling Jan Reding, 816-225-0713, or email janreding@earthlink.net.

September 24, 2018 Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall September 27, 2018 Grain Valley Historical Society Membership Meeting 6:00pm Potluck; 6:30pm program September 28, 2018 Grain Valley Partnership 2nd Annual Golf Classic Shotgun start at 8:00am www.growgrainvalley.org October 3, 2018 Senior Citizens’ Luncheon 11:30am—1:00pm Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S Main ST Call 816-847-6293 to RSVP. October 4, 2018 Shooting Stars and Meteor Showers 6:30pm Mid-Continent Public Library— Grain Valley Branch http://www.mymcpl.com/events October 8, 2018 Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall October 10, 2018 Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting 6:30pm Grain Valley City Hall October 27, 2018 On the Move 5K Against Hunger William Bryant Elementary 8:00am 1101 SE Sunnyside School Rd Blue Springs, MO https://runsignup.com/ OntheMoveAgainstHunger Post your group’ group’s community event online at www.grainvalleynews.com.

Looking Back

Sni-A-Bar Sewer Plans

by Marcia Napier Grain Valley Historical Society

A 1989 Examiner article details the process developer Steve Gildehaus went through to gain approval for a sewer system in the planned 1,000 acre residential community of Sni-A-Bar farm.

Gildehaus purchased Sni-A-Bar Farm in 1988 after ending his eight year term as mayor. In developing the site, Gildehaus approached the City requesting approval for a plan to develop a sewer system for the development.

Several members expressed concerns about Gildehaus’s proposal to run the sewer system himself, but ultimately approved the plan.

Gildehaus sought to operate the system at a profit, but his rates would be regulated by the state, as with any public sewer district.

He assured officials his operation would be monitored by the state and the City would not be

forced to assume responsibility of the system at a later date.

According to the article, Alderman Bill Best “encouraged his fellow city officials to approve the sewer plan, saying he is comfortable with the state’s supervision and he is eager to see Sni-A-Bar developed. ‘I’d like to see Grain Valley get going’, Best said.”

The next meeting of the Grain Valley Historical Society will be Thursday, September 27th, with a potluck at 6:00pm and program at 6:30pm. Amy Gan will present on Monarch butterflies at the September meeting.

For more information on the Historical Society, visit www.grainvalleyhistory.com.