Vol. 4 No. 39 | September 23, 2021 | www.grainvalleynews.com
Community Profile: Andy Herbert by Michael Smith When longtime Grain Valley boys basketball coach Andy Herbert attended the University of Missouri, he thought coaching at the NCAA Division I level would be the route he would take. He got to work as a student assistant with legendary Mizzou men’s basketball coach Norm Stewart and Quin Synder, the current head coach of the NBA’s Utah Jazz. While it was an invaluable experience for Herbert, he was hesitant to want to go through the grind of recruiting and coaching college basketball players. “I wanted a family,” Herbert said. “I wanted to be able to establish roots and be a part of a community. At the college level, that’s hard to do.
“A year and a half into college, I started to realize these guys are on the road all the time. They are on a plane as much as they are in Columbia. That’s just not the way I am wired. Being a college coach is not as flashy and fancy as it looks on TV.” That’s when he started to consult his former high school basketball coach, Grain Valley legend and Missouri Basketball Coaches Association hall of famer Randy Draper. Herbert, who grew up in Camdenton, played for Draper there. They stayed friends after Herbert graduated high school. Draper helped Herbert land a job in the Grain Valley district as a physical education teacher
see HERBERT on page 6
FREE
TikTok trend causing expensive damage to schools, parks A viral video trend on the social media app TikTok has made its way to the metro area, and this trend has nothing to do with a catchy dance or goofy prank. Tens of thousands of videos have been posted in recent weeks with hashtags such as #deviouslicks and #diabolicallicks, showing serious acts of vandalism to school and park restrooms, teachers’ desks, school lockers, and other school
facilities. Metro area districts have experienced similar acts of vandalism and are taking a variety of measures, including removing access to most restrooms in schools, in an effort to stop the damage. According to Deputy Superintendent, Student and Community Services, Dr. Brad Welle, Grain Valley Schools have not been immune to the issue.
see VANDALISM on page 5
Good News: RSVP for the October Senior Citizens’ Luncheon The October Senior Citizens’ Luncheon will be held Wednesday, October 6th at the Grain Valley Community Center. To
RSVP for the luncheon, call 816-847-6293 or email info@cityofgrainvalley.org.
Image credit: City of Grain Valley
In This Edition: Looking Back: High School Memories of Homecoming
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Business: Giving back is what we do best
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Your Health: Fall skin care tips
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Sports: Grain Valley takes fourth at Independence Invitational
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Cover Image: Students from Sni-A-Bar Elementary caught a glimpse of the Marching Eagles during recess on Friday, September 17th. Photo credit: Sarah Earley
Head boys basketball coach and GVHS A+ Coordinator Andy Herbert has been with the district since 2000.
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2 Police Blotter The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of September 8-14, 2021. September 8 , 2021 700 Block of N Main 1000 Block of Clear Creek 2000 Block of Hedgewood 200 Block of Aaron Lane 200 Block of Walnut Greystone Estates 200 Block of Walnut Greystone Estates BB & Rust 700 Block of N Main 1100 Block of Buckner Tarsney 900 Block of Cedar 700 Block of N Main 700 Block of N Main 1000 Block of NE McQuerry 1300 Block of Hickory Wood 100 Block of Sunny Lane 700 Block of N Main 700 Block of N Main 700 Block of N Main September 9, 2021 RD Mize & Tyer 1900 Block of NW Hedgewood DR 600 Block of Yennie 600 Block of Main 40 HWY & Meadow 400 Block of Cresview Main & Kirby September 10, 2021 800 Block of Lee Ann 700 Block of N Main 600 Block of Tisha 700 Block of N Main 700 Block of N Main
Citizen Contact Motor Vehicle Accident Agency Assist-JCSO Welfare Check Alarm Suspicious Activity Alarm Suspicious Vehicle Debris in Roadway Walk-in-Stealing Alarm Alarm Request for Civil Standby Walk-in-Harassment Area Check Alarm Welfare Check Walk-in-Motor Vehicle Accident Walk-in-Motor Vehicle Accident Walk-in-Fraud
Animal At Large Property Damage Peace Disturbance Suspicious Activity Area Check Obstruction in Roadway Motor Vehicle Accident
1200 Block of Ashley DR 400 Block of Woodbury 700 Block of Albatross 500 Block of Eagles PKWY 300 Block of SW Crestview 300 Block of Woodbury
Property Threats Citizen Contact Noise Complaint K9 Use Disturbance Parking Complaint
September 12, 2021 300 Block of Old 40 HWY 600 Block of Yennie 500 Block of South ST
Stolen Property Verbal Disturbance Stealing
September 13, 2021 1100 Block of Valley Ridge DR EE Kirby & Willow 700 Block of N Main 800 Block of Woodland DR 100 Block of West Broadway 700 Block of N Main
Alarm Motor Vehicle Accident Stealing Found Property Civil Standby Citizen Contact
September 14, 2021 500 Block of Woodbury 200 Block of Rust 1100 Block of Bush DR 100 Block of SW Eagles PKWY 700 Block of Main 300 Block of S Hudson 300 Block of Walnut 900 Block of Stonebrook 1300 Block of Eagles
Harassment Alarm Alarm Dealer App Citizen Contact Agency Assist-BPD Disturbance Disturbance Alarm
Additional calls for service: Suicidal subject: 1
Citizen Contact-Return Found Property Citizen Contact Suspicious Activity Citizen Contact Citizen Contact-Stolen
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
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Looking Back
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Looking Back: High School memories of homecoming by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Homecoming at Grain Valley High School was this past weekend. After visiting the alumni tent, attending the game, and enjoying a great breakfast at the high school on Saturday, I could not help but think about previous homecomings. The University of Missouri claims to have invented homecoming in 1911, when Director of Athletics Chester L. Brewer had the bright idea to invite alumni back to the annual game against the University of Kansas—he further sauced things up with a spirit rally and parade. I don’t know when Grain Valley celebrated their first homecoming, but I did find photographs in some yearbooks from the 1940s. The first homecoming I recall was in the fall of 1952 when I got to ride in the parade. I don’t remember which group sponsored the float but the slogan on the top read, “It’s in the cards!” (Victory). We wore the white uniforms from the first grade Rhythm Band. I was the Queen of Diamonds. Of course, the marching band lead the homecoming parade right down Main Street. Virginia Ruth Tate (senior) was the drum major and Patsy Edie, a third grader, was the mascot. There were only 31 members in the band including Virginia, Patsy and the
three majorettes, Janice (Thompson) Butler, junior and Florene (Brown ) Wiggins and Sandra (Temple) Elliott, both 8th graders. In those days the 26 members of the band that played instrument included student from 7th grade through seniors. The 1953 yearbook showed 91 students in the high school and 6 faculty members which included G. E. Temple, the superintendent and history teacher, and William Evans, the principal, history teacher and football coach. I can recall many homecomings during my school years. Some of the most fun of homecoming was designing and building our floats during the week preceding the game. We would work in someone's garage or barn every day (and night) after school throughout the week before the parade. We always had some boys from our class “on guard” so no one saw our float or stole our ideas before the floats were judged at the parade. There were snake dances and bonfires when we burned a dummy representing a football player from the opposing team. Students would begin at the high school and dance and cheer their way down Main Street to the pep rally held at the city park in front of the old train station on Front Street. There were spirit weeks and pep rallies, there
The author in the 1952 homecoming parade. Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society were ivy chains, and Homecoming Queens, and let us not forget, there were football games. And after the game, there was a homecoming dance. I’ve always been amazed to talk to the football players years after their high school days were over. They always remember every game, every great tackle they made, and every pass they caught (or threw) that resulted in the winning touchdown. And they can tell you the team they played for homecoming their senior year and if they won (or lost)!
For most of us, high school homecomings will forever be a fond memory of our school days!
The Historical Society invites you to join us for Coffee with Classmates – the Rock ‘n Roll Years (1950-1970) on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 beginning at 10:00 AM. We will reconnect, reminiscence, and share memorabilia from our days at GVHS, including the big Homecoming Game! I hope you will join us.
Fair’s Cutest Baby Contest voting online through September Voting for the Grain Valley Fair’s Cutest Baby Contest is available online at www.grainvalleynews.com (under the Community tab) and in person at
Crosetti’s Health & Wellness through September. All funds raised benefit the Grain Valley Partnership.
Business
4 Giving back is what we do best by Phil Hanson, President & CEO, Truman Heartland Community Foundation Truman Heartland Community Foundation is excited to announce its 2021 competitive grants awards through the Jelley Family Foundation for Children’s Education and Community Grants programs. This year, a new unrestricted grantmaking fund from the Willa L. Fancher and Martha A. Taggart endowment added more than $80,000 to our grantmaking budgets,
producing a new record in THCF’s grantmaking with 62 grant awards totaling $336,582 awarded to agencies serving Eastern Jackson and Cass counties. Every year, we see the financial requests from the nonprofit sector grow as they strive to meet the needs of the communities they serve. With so many nonprofits doing positive, transformative work, our grants selections are incredibly challenging but also very rewarding. Awarding these
Missouri’s Purchasing Managers’ Index up 3.9 points in August Missouri’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for August was 75.2, increasing 3.9 points from July, and still well in expansion territory, according to the monthly Mid-America Business Conditions Survey, conducted by Creighton University, Omaha, NE. For 15 of the past 16 months, the Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator for the nine-state region stretching from Minnesota to Arkansas, remained above growth
neutral. Economists consider the index a key economic indicator. It measures such factors as new orders, production, supplier delivery times, backlogs, inventories, prices, employment, import orders and exports. Typically, a score greater than 50 indicates an expansionary economy while a score below 50 forecasts a sluggish economy. The US August PMI® for manufacturing registered 59.9, increasing 0.4 points from the July reading of 59.5 percent.
grants is a tremendous responsibility donors have entrusted the Truman Heartland Community Foundation Grants Committee. Our Grants Committee comprises members of the THCF Board of Directors and local Advisory Board volunteers. As stewards of legacy gifts for grantmaking, the Grants Committee must be sensitive to the changing nature of the needs of our communities. They take this responsibility very seriously and do their best to ensure we fund the most effective and impactful programs that have the potential to make a real difference in our communities. A special thank you goes out to each of the THCF Grants Committee members for the countless hours they spent pouring over more than 120 grant applications: Lynette Wheeler (Chair), Cathy Allie, Don Claphan, Martha Cockerell, Michele Crumbaugh, Bryan Gash, Jake Greco, Lori Halsey, Warren Haynes, Liesl Hays, Cliff Jones, Mike Larson, Dave Mayta, Ritchie Momon, Glen Nash, Rosalie Newkirk, Steve Noll, Melissa Reimann, Merideth Rose, DeeAnn Stock, Jennie Swearngin, Allan Thompson, Dave Turner, and Bob White. Thank you all for your dedication to
the process and commitment to excellence. Grants made through estate plans are vital to the health of our Eastern Jackson County community. They provide much-needed funding to help our region remain strong and vibrant. It is genuinely heartwarming to think about all the selfless individuals who chose to positively impact their community through charitable giving, whether through a donor advised fund, scholarship fund, or a legacy gift. Truman Heartland Community Foundation is honored to be chosen to support and grow their charitable giving. I would encourage anyone who has a heart for philanthropic giving in their community to learn more about ways you can create change by creating a Donor Advised Fund.
Phil Hanson is the president and CEO of Truman Heartland Community Foundation. Truman Heartland Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity committed to improving the communities in and around Eastern Jackson County through partnerships with donors and community members. For more information on charitable giving, visit www.thcf.org or call Truman Heartland at 816-836-8189.
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Email your Business News to news@grainvalleynews.com.
Image credit: MO Economic Research and Information Center
5 VANDALISM continued from page 1 “We are experiencing a significant increase in vandalism this fall, especially in our school restrooms. This is happening at every level - elementary, middle school, and high school. (The TikTok challenge) appears to be the driving reason behind this behavior. We are repairing toilets and stalls, and are having to replace soap and towel dispensers. It is getting expensive,” Welle said. “There are consequences, including paying for damages, for anyone determined to have vandalized or stolen school property,” Welle said. Wednesday evening, Grain Valley High School principal Dr. Jeremy
Plowman sent an email to students and parents, asking for cooperation in discouraging and reporting these acts. "Over the past two weeks, we have had multiple instances of stolen or damaged bathroom items, food stuffed down toilets, defacing of stalls, mirrors, etc. While we have encountered vandalism in our bathrooms in the past, it has become a daily occurrence at the high school. We have zero tolerance for this. Those that are caught committing vandalism or theft will receive school discipline and will have to reimburse the school for damages or theft. The disrespect these acts show our hardworking and short-staffed custodians
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and the stellar students and staff in this building does not sit well with me," Plowman said. Oak Grove Parks and Recreation recently posted a photo of damage to a park restroom on their Facebook page, asking anyone with information on the vandalism to contact the parks department or police department with tips. Shannon Davies, Grain Valley Parks and Recreation Director, said Grain Valley park facilities have been spared so far, but his crews and the police department have been vigilant in keeping an eye out for potential problems.
“This recent Tik Tok trend has area park departments on notice. Several have closed their park restrooms in response to this. We have kept our restrooms open. Within the past couple of weeks, we have had no vandalism in our parks that would relate to this. Park Maintenance is making routine checks at our restrooms and any other park related amenities several times a day to try and stay ahead of this. If we do start seeing this vandalism, we will entertain the idea of restroom closures. GVPD is also aware and keeping an eye out for us,” Davies said.
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Community Voices
HERBERT continued from page 1 and an assistant boys basketball coach in the year 2000. He also currently serves as the boys golf coach. Herbert started as a physical education teacher at Matthews Elementary School and eventually got the same position at Prairie Branch Elementary School. After that, he was the coordinator at the Sni Valley Academy and is now the A+ Program coordinator at Grain Valley High School. As a coach, he was an assistant under Draper for five years before becoming the head boys basketball coach, a position he’s had for 16 years. Herbert has coached in five different conferences in his tenure at Grain Valley. He’s been with the program when it was regularly playing smaller schools like Lexington and Lafayette County. Now the Eagles are playing against some of the biggest schools in Missouri like Blue Springs and Truman. “I want to coach the kids that are here and do right by them,” Herbert said. “I don’t want to have to go out and get a kid. I want to make an impact with them.” That’s exactly what he has done.
Herbert has been a longtime staple with the Grain Valley school district and for the boys basketball team. However, when he first arrived, there was an adjustment period for Herbert. “We love it here,” Herbert said. “Coming from Lake of the Ozarks and Camdenton, this is a very different place because it’s closer to the city. You’re driving on the interstate all the time here instead of lake roads. It’s a very different way of life than what I was used to. “In Camdenton, you spend your summer on boat docks. It was a great place to grow up.” After Herbert left Camdenton to attend the University of Missouri he got to spend one year coaching under Stewart and the rest under Snyder. The experience was invaluable, he said. “If you paid attention, you learned a lot,” Herbert said. “Both of them had very different ways of doing things. I learned how to build a team through toughness from Coach Stewart. Coach Snyder was more of a player development coach. He wanted to work with the best players
and make them the best he could through skill development. “All the stories I have while working with them, I could talk about that for hours.” While Stewart and Snyder were influences on Herbert’s coaching career, Draper might have been the biggest influence of them all. Draper and Herbert use a team-oriented approach and both are player-friendly coaches, who seem to remain calm no matter the situation in any game. In fact, if it wasn’t for Draper, Herbert may not have ended up at Grain Valley. “I’ve known Coach Draper since 1987,” Herbert said. “He was my next door neighbor and coach growing up. As far as coaching, mentorship and friendship, he’s as close to me as my own father. He was 1B. The one thing that drew us here was him. He’s the reason we came.” Herbert said he doesn’t plan on going to another district any time soon if ever. Being at the school for as long as he has allowed Herbert got to coach his son Owen for the first time at the high school level. “He was at a district game at O’Hara
and he was a few months old at the time,” Herbert said. “One of their players was diving for a loose ball and jumped over our bench and ended up hitting him. “We joke all the time, ‘That you took your first charge when you were three months old.’ Now, he’s almost 17 and playing varsity. It’s been rewarding to see him out there playing.” While Herbert grew up in Camdenton and considers that his hometown, his new home is in Grain Valley, and he hopes it stays that way for the foreseeable future for Owen, his wife and his two other children. “We have raised three kids here and my wife teaches in the district,” Herbert said. “The families and the people in Grain Valley .... it really doesn’t get any better than that. We haven’t found any reason to leave. As long as they keep accepting us, we aren’t going anywhere.”
Xi Iota Phi, Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, wraps up year with Mother-Daughter Tea, Ladies Night Out, and “Camp Outback” by Karen Sutton and Diana Boyce, Publicity Committee Xi Iota Phi Our annual Mother-Daughter Tea was held on May 1, 2021 with a luncheon celebrating mothers, daughters, other family members and each other. Linda Ebert presented a wonderful program on the “History of May Day”. Our annual “Ladies Night Out” was held at Hereford House Restaurant in Independence, MO where we celebrated our Woman of the Year, Debbie Reardon. Also, congratulations to Diana Boyce for “Program of the Year” and Karen Blau for “Perfect Attendance”. Secret Sisters from the previous year were also revealed and new Secret Sisters were drawn for the upcoming year. Our final activity of the year was a weekend at the lake home of Jim and
Linda Ebert. It’s hard to believe this was our 15th annual trip there! We always have a wonderful time, but this year was especially a welcome get-away we agreed we all needed! At our May meeting, Chris Smith presented the program “The History of Union Station”, the original depot in Kansas City’s west bottoms and the various railroads which converged in Kansas City. Chris’ grandfather was the Director of Union Station and was in charge of it for 48 years. Xi Iota Phi’s new year started in June with Installation of officers. Beta Sigma Phi is celebrating it’s 90th year in 2021 and to commemorate this, their theme is “90 Years to Shine”. Xi
Iota Phi decided to also celebrate this milestone through our monthly programs which will include any event or people that have made a difference these past 90 years. Linda Ebert started us off in June talking about Tim Berners Lee who invented the World Wide Web (www) in 1989 which changed the world in which it communicates. In July, Karen LaJaunie gave her program on Ruth Bader Ginsburg who served as Supreme Court Justice from 1993 until her death in 2020. Known as the “Notorious RBG”, she upheld the rights of both women and men in the workplace and in the military. Kim Meyers’ program in August was on Sarah Cannon, better known as “Minnie
Pearl”. She was a neighbor of Kim’s family when she lived in Nashville. Not only was she a well-known entertainer, she was also a humanitarian and very active in the community. After battling cancer, she became a spokesperson for cancer research. Today several “Sarah Cannon Cancer Centers” across the country have been named in her honor. A card shower was given at our June meeting to Diana Boyce and Karen Blau for their recent retirements. One of our service projects this year is Hope House. Members have been busy donating items for the residents and staff to use.
Historical Society receives parade proceeds The Grain Valley Historical Society is the recipient of funds raised from this year’s Grain Valley Fair parade presented by Grain Valley News. A check for $200
was delivered to the organization, representing funds collected from business entries in the 2021 parade.
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
State News
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Missouri AG’s push to sue every school with mask mandate heads to court next week by Rudi Keller, Missouri Independent (www.missouriindependent.com) Orders requiring school children to wear masks in class will be tested in court next week, when a Boone County judge will be asked to decide if Attorney General Eric Schmitt can sue every district in the state in a single case. Circuit Judge Brouck Jacobs has set a hearing for 9 a.m. next Tuesday in Schmitt’s lawsuit challenging the mask order in Columbia Public Schools. Schmitt, who is running for U.S.
Senate, wants Jacobs to declare all districts that have mask rules are part of a class and is seeking a preliminary injunction blocking the rules. The Columbia school district, in turn, is asking Jacobs to dismiss the lawsuit. The hearing will consider that request, which will be filed later this week. The Columbia district is the thirdlargest in the state, with more than 18,000 students. Schmitt filed the
A teacher walks among the the masked students sitting in a socially distanced classroom session on March 17, 2021 (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images).
lawsuit on the first day of school for the district in August. In the motion for an injunction filed Friday, Schmitt’s office argues that the mask order is being maintained in violation of a state law passed this year to limit the scope and duration of local health orders. The district added a mask requirement to its school reopening plan on Aug. 13 and it took effect on Aug. 16. On Sept. 13, the Columbia Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the reopening plan as amended by the mask directive. The new law limits the duration of local health orders to 30 days and the Sept. 13 vote occurred one day after the
order expired, Schmitt’s office argues in the filing seeking a preliminary injunction. The mask mandate was never mentioned during the meeting, therefore, it “was not voted upon at the Sept. 13 school board meeting,” the filing states. An affidavit filed with the request for a preliminary injunction names 20 other districts the order could apply to if the case is found to be a class action. In each, the affidavit states, there has been a mask order in place for more than 30 days without board action to renew it. The affidavit names the Springfield Public Schools, Jefferson City Public
see AG SUIT on page 12
Your Health
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Skin care tips for when sun season is over (StatePoint) While basic sun protection is likely your top skin care priority in summer, during the fall season, it’s time to address other skin care concerns. One matter in particular to pay close attention to is scarring. This is because sun exposure can cause further discoloration in scars. What’s more, scar tissue is more susceptible than other skin to sun damage. Whether you’re dealing with surgical scars, scars from scrapes, cuts, or burns, here’s what you need to know about caring for these vulnerable areas of skin after a season of summer sun:
Protecting skin from oxidative damage caused by daily exposure to light, heat and pollution, vitamin C is an ingredient vital to healthy skin that amplifies protection and is the ultimate complement to daily SPF. Check out the portfolio of vitamin C products from SkinCeuticals, which offers something for every skin type. Backed by 16 clinical studies and over 30 years of research, the brand’s serums serve as the gold standard for a host of skin care benefits, including correcting the appearance of uneven skin tone and helping to prevent future skin damage.
Cover scars: Protect scars from additional sun exposure whenever possible. Keep in mind that you can still be exposed to sun beyond summer and when indoors, so consider dressing accordingly.
Take charge: Doctors recommend having a trusted scar care product readily available in your cabinet. “You need one with a highconcentration of silicone to deliver soothing protection to all scars, whether they come as a result of a cosmetic procedure or an unintended wound,” says Dr. Catherine Chang, SkinCeuticals partner physician with Cassileth Plastic Surgery. One new option to consider is
Amplify your protection: As you are apple and pumpkin picking, make sure not to shelve the SPF! Stay consistent with sun protection and be sure your routine also includes vitamin C.
SkinCeuticals Advanced Scar Control, a long-lasting semi-occlusive treatment designed to protect vulnerable skin and help improve the appearance of new and recent scars. This protective technology is specifically formulated for different types of scars, is appropriate for multiple skin tones, and can complement surgical procedures. Plus, using Advanced Scar Control benefits SkinCeuticals and ReSurge International’s charity program, Pioneering Women in Reconstructive Surgery, an initiative that provides surgical training, leadership development and mentorship to women surgeons in high-need areas worldwide so they can complete life-changing surgeries. The initiative has reached 12 countries and over 700 medical professionals. To learn more, visit skinceuticals.com/womensurgeon.
dermatologist will evaluate moles, discoloration and other skin issues. Should your doctor find it necessary to perform a biopsy or mole removal, you’ll be well-prepared to care for any resulting scar tissue by following the above tips. While you may view scars as beyond your control, there’s good news -- a scar care routine can reduce the appearance of scars and better protect this vulnerable skin from additional damage.
Get a check-up: Fall is an excellent time of year to check your annual dermatologist appointment off your todo list. During your visit, your
Survey finds treatment cost and stigma are major barriers to accessing care for mood disorders The cost of treatment and access to quality, affordable care, along with stigma, are major barriers to Americans seeking help for mood disorders, according to a recent national survey. The 2021 Mood Disorder Survey was conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Mood disorders are a common type of mental illness and include bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder and others. The survey questioned three groups of American adults: those who have been diagnosed with a mood disorder, those who are caregivers and those who have no experience with mood disorders. Among people who have a mood disorder, about half (52%) say cost prevents them from trying a treatment they’re interested in — a proportion that is much higher among the uninsured (74%). In addition, 61% of those without insurance report stopping a treatment because they could no longer afford it. The vast majority of all adults, 84%, agree that stigma is a major barrier to
people accessing treatment for mood disorders, and 87% believe that mood disorders — if left untreated — have significant economic and social impacts. Yet despite this sympathetic attitude, 37% feel fearful of being around people with mood disorders. About 3 in 5 people living with a mood disorder (61%) say that people treat them differently after they learn they have been diagnosed with a mood disorder, and about three-quarters (76%) say people around them do not understand what it’s like to live with a mood disorder on a daily basis. On the positive side, even while experiencing daily symptoms, more than 3 in 4 adults with a mood disorder (77%) feel their symptoms are wellmanaged. While about half of those with mood disorders (48%) currently use routine or maintenance psychiatric medication, significant proportions use nonpsychiatric treatments such as psychotherapy (25%), guidance or support from other people with lived experience (23%) or complementary health approaches (28%) such as
exercise, meditation or dietary supplements. Nearly half of people with a mood disorder (47%) say supportive personal relationships have been helpful in both the management of symptoms and the recovery process. While the COVID-19 pandemic has posed new mental health challenges for many of us, it has also increased acceptance of mental health conditions, with more than half of all adults (52%) saying they have been more open with others about their mental health since the pandemic began. The vast majority (91%) agree that mental health challenges can affect anyone, but nearly 1 in 3 (30%) say they are unable to get the support they need for their mental health during the pandemic. Telehealth may be part of a solution, as about 4 in 5 of those with mood disorders who have taken advantage of the technology (79%) say it has made it easier for them to access mental health care. “While the ongoing impact of the pandemic shines a light on the widespread need for better access to
affordable, quality mental health care in our communities, there is a clear need to better understand mood disorders and reduce barriers to care,” NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison Jr. said. “The status quo is unacceptable, and we must do better for people with mood disorders through a holistic approach that recognizes that there is no health without mental health.” “The survey points out that once people with mood disorders get care, they do well and can flourish,” NAMI Chief Medical Officer Ken Duckworth, M.D. said. “The survey also found an increased openness in discussing mental health, which is a positive step, but more needs to be done to increase access to care.” The NAMI HelpLine is a free nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support and can be reached at 1800-950-6264 and info@nami.org (Mon. -Fri. from 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. ET).
Outdoors & Recreation
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Outdoor Skills Day for Scouts to be held September 25th at Burr Oak by Jill Pritchard, Missouri Department of Conservation The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will host an Outdoor Skills Day on September 25th at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center for Scouts or other youth in nature-related organizations. The free event will be held at the W. Robert Aylward Education Pond Shelter from 1:00pm—3:00pm. Participants will learn outdoor skills such as archery and how to properly use air rifles. “These are fun and useful skills to learn for those in nature-related organizations,” Burr Oak Woods Naturalist Lisa Richter said. “We’ll teach participants the basics, and help them practice shooting more consistently and accurately.”
Richter also said Scouts and others will learn where to purchase their own equipment for future practice and fun. Scout Outdoor Skills Day is for Scouts or others in outdoor youth organizations ages 8-18. One adult is required for every five Scouts or youth. Registration for this event is required. Register at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ ZCj. Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center is located at 1401 NW Park Road in Blue Springs. For more information, contact Lisa Richter at Lisa.Richter@mdc.mo.gov or call 816-228-3766.
MDC reminds hunters baiting is prohibited during deer season
Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center will host an Outdoor Skills Day for Scouts and others in outdoor youth organizations on September 25th. The free event will be held at the W. Robert Aylward Education Pond Shelter from 1:00pm— 3:00pm. Photo credit: MDC
by Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation One of the highest tenets of ethical hunting is the concept of fair chase. Baiting deer goes against fair chase by giving a hunter an unfair advantage. It is also illegal. But with a fatal disease threatening Missouri’s deer population,
Solution to last week’s puzzle.
the consequences of baiting could have a far more negative impact than the deer that are taken illegally. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds hunters that taking deer by use of bait is
prohibited by The Wildlife Code of Missouri. “Deer baiting is putting out some sort of grain for attracting deer, so they can be harvested. It concentrates deer in an area and takes the sport out of it,” MDC St. Louis Regional Protection Supervisor Captain Scott Corley said. Problems with deer baiting are amplified due to the presence of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the St. Louis Region. CWD is a neurological disease that is fatal to deer. The disease has been confirmed in Jefferson, Franklin, and Crawford counties in MDC’s St. Louis region, as well as 15 other counties elsewhere in the state. A total of 206 Missouri free-ranging deer have tested positive since 2011. Doe urine and other scents, such as apple, acorn, and persimmon, may be used to attract deer by hunters, so long as they are not used on or with grain and other food products. While it is legal to hunt over a harvested crop field, it is illegal to add grain or other crops, such as apples, to the field after it has been harvested. Salt and mineral blocks are permitted
outside the CWD management counties unless they contain grain or are placed on conservation areas. Manipulating crops, such as mowing or knocking them down, is not considered baiting. Corley feels that prevention is the best solution regarding deer baiting. “We’d rather educate people than write them tickets,” Corley said. Corley also urges citizens to contact their local conservation agent or call the Operation Game Thief Hotline (OGT) if they see deer baiting or any other hunting violation. The toll-free OGT number is 1-800-392-1111, and callers have the option to remain anonymous. Or if they choose, they may be eligible for a cash reward if the tip leads to a conviction. Conservation agents rely on and appreciate the eyes and ears of Missouri citizens to help make them aware of potential wildlife violations. “We need to protect our deer herd; it’s pretty important here in the state of Missouri,” Corley said.
Sports
10
Tired Eagles take fourth at Independence Invitational by Michael Smith The Grain Valley swimming and diving team was tired heading into Saturday’s Independence Invitational at the Henley Aquatics Center. The Eagles swam in five events in the past two weeks, so head coach Kara Liddle didn’t expect any of her swimmers to have their best times. Her team did have a respectable performance at the meet, however, as the swimmers powered through fatigue. Grain Valley placed fourth with 225 points, and were just 19 points away from earning a plaque as Sedalia SmithCotton took third with 244 points. “We had some good swims today being as tired as we are,” Liddle said. “I knew this wasn’t going to be the best meet for getting our best times.” Pembroke Hill won with 430 points. The Eagles are usually at a disadvantage in any meet they are in as the team only has nine competitors on the team. However, even with the low numbers, they were able to finish in the middle of the pack at the Independence Invitational. Isaac Burd led the way for Grain Valley. He entered the 100-meter freestyle as the top seed. He was second as he finished in 55.15 seconds. He also took fifth in the 50 free and finished in 25 seconds. “There were a couple of things that I
didn’t do right, but overall, it was a good race,” Burd said. “I need to focus on not breathing as much and working on my flip turns.” Riley Fangman also had a solid meet. He was fourth in the 200 free (2:10.81) and third in the 100 butterfly (1:04.22). “I felt like I did pretty well and I did my best today,” Fangman said. “I dropped 4 seconds in the 200 and I dropped 1 second in my 100, so that was really good. “I haven’t been to state before, but this could be the year.” Liddle added that she was pleased with how Fangman swam. “Riley swam his two best times, so to do that while being tired is awesome,” Liddle said. The Grain Valley relay teams also had top three finishes. The foursome of Evan Reich, Tom Fligg, Landon Gilbert and and Burd took third (1:47.55) in the 200 free relay and Reich, Fangman, Burd and Fligg teamed up to take third (3:59) in the 400 free relay. “It wasn’t our best, but we still swam really good,” Burd said. “I can tell we are all feeling it right now. We have had a lot of meets lately. Liddle said the relays are knocking on the door of making a state cut. “Our relays are our best shot (to
Grain Valley's Mason Enlow took seventh in the 100 backstroke. Photo credit: Michael Smith
Grain Valley swimmer Riley Fangman prepares to dive in the pool during the 400freestyle relay at the Independence Invitational Saturday at the Henley Aquatic Center. The team finished third in the event. Photo credit; Michael Smith qualify for state),” Liddle said. “We are rotating the lineups to see which one works best.” Some other top eight finishes for the Eagles include Matthew Ditzler in the 100 butterfly (sixth, 11:30.27), Reich in the 50 free (seventh, 25.45) and 100 free
(fourth, 56.84), Fligg in the 100 free (eighth, 1:01.65) and 100 breaststroke (fifth, 1:23.38) and Mason Enlow in the 100 backstroke (seventh, 1:16.89).
Grain Valley swimmer Tom Fligg finished seventh in the 100 breaststroke. Photo credit: Michael Smith
Sports
11
Grain Valley’s DJ Harris breaks out in 48-13 rout of Patriots by Michael Smith When Grain Valley freshman DJ Harris took a right-side toss to the end zone from 28-yards out, the Grain Valley student section started a chant. “He’s a freshman! He’s a freshman!” the crowd chanted. That’s a chant that is common when a freshman does well in any high school sport. While the chant can sometimes be a knock on the other team for letting a freshman do something productive in their sport, it likely was meant more as a compliment for the talented ball carrier. That touchdown was one of three for Harris on the night as he helped power his Eagles to a 48-13 rout of Truman Friday at Moody Murray Memorial Field. Harris, who serves as the No. 2 running back behind senior starter Jaxon Wyatt, has proven to be a strong complementary piece. He has four rushing touchdowns on the season and that’s second most on the team behind quarterback Caleb Larson. On Friday, he finished with 59 yards on eight carries. “He had a fumble last time, but tonight he came back strong and got three touchdowns and didn’t fumble,” Grain Valley head coach David Allie said. “That shows maturity and growth.” Allie isn’t the only one who has been impressed with Harris. Wyatt had high praise for the freshman after the game. “He’s going to the NFL,” Wyatt said. So, what did Harris think about Wyatt’s comments? “I have to keep working for that. There is still a lot more to come and a lot to learn,” Harris said with a chuckle. He will have his opportunity to potentially be the lead running back
next season. For now, that honor belongs to Wyatt, who also had a big game. He finished with 72 yards on 12 carries and his first two touchdowns of the season. “Jaxon is just a dog,” Harris said. “The running back duo we have is amazing.” Grain Valley quarterback Caleb Larson added 58 yards on eight carries and a score. He also completed 4 of 11 passes for 117 yards. The Eagles (2-2) totaled 324 yards of offense. They led 17-0 at the end of the first quarter, held a 34-0 advantage at halftime and had its biggest lead in the fourth quarter of 48-0 before Truman scored two touchdowns against Grain Valley’s backups on defense. The Grain Valley varsity defense created eight quarterback pressures and the team overall held the Patriots (0-4) to just 170 total yards of offense, with 136 yards of those coming against the Eagles’ backups when the game was already out of reach. The defense was put into a good position for success largely because of kicker Austin Schmitt. The junior got eight touchbacks on 10 kickoff attempts. The other two were perfectly executed onside kicks. One was recovered and the other was dropped out of bounds. Schmitt, who is also a two-time allstate selection for the soccer team, easily made two field goals from 32 and 34 yards out. “He’s a dude,” Allie said. “He’s worked really hard over the summer, and he’s taken to coaching really well and he has a special leg.” In practice, Schmitt can make field goals from 50-plus yards out. His strong leg is a reason why he’s debating
Freshman DJ Harris, who serves as the No. 2 running back behind senior starter Jaxon Wyatt, has proven to be a strong complementary piece. He has four rushing touchdowns on the season and that’s second most on the team behind quarterback Caleb Larson. On Friday, he finished with 59 yards on eight carries. Photo credit: John Overstreet between playing football or soccer in college. “It feels good that I can kick them that far now,” Schmitt said. “My freshman year, I could maybe kick it 35 yards. Now I can kick it 55. I just put in the work over the summer.” Anthony Greco led the Eagles in receiving with three catches for 60 yards. Linebacker Gage Forkner led the defense with five tackles and 1.5 coming by loss.
Girls tennis continues winning streak with wins in Excelsior Springs Excelsior Springs, the team won all 5
The team will finish a match on Thurs-
been on a winning streak this season,
flights: Kylee Bragaw won A Flight Sin-
day at home with Blue Springs South
most recently coming in first place at
gles, Emma Thiessen won B Flight Sin-
that was postponed earlier in the week
the Excelsior Springs tournament on
gles, the Doubles team of Laforge-
due to rain. The team will travel to Bel-
Wednesday, following a conference win
Gorden won A Flight, and the B Flight
ton next Wednesday and finish out the
against Truman earlier in the week. In
Doubles win went to Spencer-Barnes.
week away at Pembroke Hill.
Grain Valley’s Girls tennis team has
Jaxon Wyatt finished with 72 yards on 12 carries and his first two touchdowns of the season. Photo credit: John Overstreet
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AG SUIT continued from page 7 Schools, 10 districts in the St. Louis metropolitan area including St. Louis Public Schools, and eight districts in the Kansas City region, including Kansas City Public Schools. School districts around the state are “acting as if the statute does not apply to them” by issuing orders requiring masks but not following the requirements to renew them within 30 days by a vote of the governing board, the filing from Schmitt’s office states. “Forcing children to wear masks in school all day long flies in the face of science and could hinder crucial development by eliminating facial cues and expressions,” Schmitt said in a news release about the filings in Boone County. Schmitt has also filed lawsuits against St. Louis, St. Louis County, Jackson County and Kansas City challenging mask orders from local officials. On Monday, Circuit Judge Ellen Ribaudo extended a
temporary restraining order (TRO) blocking enforcement of a July 26 mask order. Ribaudo ruled that because the order was rescinded by the St. Louis County Council on July 27 before being brought up again and approved on Aug. 27. The question, Ribaudo wrote in her order, was not whether masks were a good idea or if St. Louis County government officials were now in agreement. Instead, she wrote, she was being asked to decide “whether or not the Council can extend an order they have already voted to terminate or expired by operation of time.” The result may have been different, she wrote, if a new order had been issued instead of the council vote to extend the previous order. St. Louis County Executive Sam Page said he will ask the council to approve a new mask order, the St. Louis PostDispatch reported Tuesday.
Community Calendar September 23, 2021
October 2, 2021
4th Thursday Meet Up Hosted by Grain Valley Partnership Noon El Tequilazo www.growgrainvalley.org
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event 8:00am—Noon Jackson County Public Works 34900 E Old US Hwy 40 Accepted materials include batteries, paint, lawn and garden chemicals, automotive fluids, fluorescent light bulbs, and household cleaners. www.recyclespot.org
Community Forum: Crime Prevention Hosted by Grain Valley Police Department 6:30pm-7:30pm First Baptist Church Grain Valley 207 W. Walnut Topics of discussions include identity theft, online safety, common scams and how to identify them, theft prevention, and communication within the community.
September 27, 2021 Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall
October 11, 2021 Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall
October 13, 2021 Planning & Zoning Commission 6:30pm Grain Valley City Hall
September 27, 2021 No school—In Service Grain Valley Schools
September 28, 2021 National Night Out Against Crime Event 6:00pm—8:30pm The Pavilion at Armstrong Park Hosted by Grain Valley Police Department Free food and drink including Papa Murphy’s Pizza, K-9 demonstrations, bomb squad demonstrations, raffle prizes.
October 29, 2021 Trail or Treat 6:30pm—8:30pm Butterfly Trail Park Free event—Haunted Hayride, Gruesome Graveyard 30+ local businesses/organizations will hand out treats along the trail. Costumes and flashlights are encouraged! www.cityofgrainvalley.org
Add your community event at www.grainvalleynews.com.
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