Miss Diamond Page 2
Easter made easy Page 7
National recognition Page 8
Free complimentary copy April 18, 2014 • Volume 1, No. 29
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Four Points Sheraton’s Grand Re-Opening Brings Raytown And Independence Together The Four Points Sheraton at the Kansas City Sports Complex celebrated their grand re-opening on March 25 to celebrate the completion of the hotel’s multi-million dollar renovation and conversion project. The event was hosted by Raytown and Independence Chambers of Commerce and attended by city dignitaries including Mayors Don Reimal of Independence and David Bower of Raytown. Sports Radio 810 WHB broadcasted the event and gave away prizes while the Kansas City Royals Mascot “Sluggerrr” signed autographs. Arvest Bank served grilled hotdogs and beverages. Four Points by Sheraton Kansas City Sports Complex provided tours of the newly refurbished hotel and its Boulevard Grill provided a beautiful buffet. “This is just awesome. You’ve done a magnificent job from what I’ve seen so far. We appreciate that you’ve taken what could’ve been a problem child and turned it into an asset,” Mayor Reimal said referring to Sheraton Sales Manager, Jeff Hirsch, and Loudean Marks, General Manager, cut the ribbon
Four Points Sheraton General Manager, Loudean Marks (left) accepts Raytown Chamber award from Loretha Hayden, Raytown Chamber Board Chair
the decline of the hotel prior to the new ownership and renovation. The Four Points by Sheraton is located at 4011 Blue Ridge Cut-Off, Kansas City, just across the street from the Kauffman and Arrowhead Stadiums. Four Points Sheraton Sales Manager, Jeff Hirsch remarked, “Although our address is in Kansas City, our accommodations are mostly used by Raytown and Independence.” Mayor David Bower confirmed that with his remarks, “I remember this hotel when I was a kid in Don’s city. Thank you
for bringing this hotel back to reality and thanks for letting us use it. We take it as part of our community in Raytown.” Loudean Marks spoke to how the multi-million dollar renovation by Dennis Hulsing of Hulsing Hotels represents the hard work and dedication to bringing
a quality product to the stadium area. “It is our sincere hope that this will be a catalyst for revitalization in this area.” The hotel’s guest rooms feature free wireless high speed Internet access, a 42-inch flat screen TV, and one king-size or two double Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort Beds™. Rooms upgrade to a microwave, a refrigerator and a great view of Kauffman Stadium. Amenities include a state-of-the-art gym, indoor heated pool and the Boulevard Grill Bar serves breakfast from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 Continued on page 2
Grain Valley Hires David Allie
By Dion Clisso PrepsKC Managing Editor Grain Valley has found its new coach. Raytown South’s David Allie will be the next head coach of the Eagles’ football program the district announced today. Allie comes to Grain Valley after spending the last 14 years at Raytown South where he led the Cardinals to the Missouri playoffs six times between 2000 and 2011 including a run to the Class 5 semifinals in 2009 and state championship game in 2008. The last two seasons the Cardinals earned first round wins in the postseason to play an 11th game in both seasons. Grain Valley Activities Director Mike Tarrants said it was a great opportunity to hire a coach with Allie’s record of
success on the field and quality reputation off the field. “With the years of experience he has and the success he’s had at Raytown South and also the type of person he is and the character that he builds his program on is what jumped off the page for us,” Tarrants said. Allie has been at Raytown South since 1997 when he was hired as an assistant by then coach Kelly Donohoe. After Donohoe left in 2000 to go to Blue Springs Allie stepped in and has been leading the Cardinals for nearly 15 years. The move to a new job was a tough decision but a challenge that Allie couldn’t pass up. “It’s one of those great opportunities in the city and they don’t come around very often,” Allie said. “It was difficult
to leave Raytown South. It was a great place to be. Great school, great staff and great administration and obviously a great football program. I spent a lot of time there so that makes it very emotional.” Allie said Grain Valley presents new and exciting challenges for him at this stage of his career. “First off it is a great personal challenge,” Allie said. “It’s a great place that is growing and great atmosphere. It’s a smaller community that is growing and has great potential.” The change at Grain Valley comes after Jimmy Tucker’s resigned last month. Tucker had been the Eagles head coach since 2011 when he replaced longtime Eagles’ coach Forrest Rovello. Rovello guided the Eagles through a multitude of changes during his
time. When he arrived Grain Valley was a small Class 2 program and when he retired the Eagles had made the move to Class 4. More changes could be on the horizon for the growing district. The current enrollment has it
near the top of Missouri Class 4 and it could easily move up to Class 5 in the coming years. Allie has had experience moving between both classes and is very familiar with a lot of the programs Grain Valley will see in the next two years.
“Part of the appeal of the job is that it is growing,” Allie said. “You are on the cusp of being a larger school. If it follows projections and keeps growing that challenge is very intriguing.”