​     Humidity and heat greeted the Grain Valley Eagles Football Team during their on the field activities and conditioning the week of July 6th. Frequent water breaks, social distancing, and coaches providing instruction through masks were the new norms of the Eagles progressing through their 2020 offseason.
     Whether it be a surgical mask, or a facemask, there are old and new faces adorning themselves on the field for the Eagles. Senior quarterbacks Cole Keller and Parker Bosserman are sharing reps with the varsity offense. Senior linebacker Hunter Newsom and defensive lineman Quincy Jones return as well for the Eagles blackshirt defense.
     Keller has shown proficiency providing accurate downfield strikes on slant routes and play action post patterns behind safeties. This is old hat for Keller and something his right arm excels at regularly. Keller continues to show no ill effects of the knee injury that ended his 2019 season prematurely.
     Bosserman has picked up where he left off last season when he filled in for the injured Keller at quarterback. Judgement to keep or pitch on option plays has been sound for Bosserman. It has also allowed him to showcase his quickness in getting into the Eagles defensive backfield during scrimmages.
     Jones returns along Grain Valley’s defensive line along with senior teammate Donovan McBride to provide notable size. Jones has found his voice in being a more vocal leader for the Eagles defense. He also turned in one of the better defensive plays for the Eagles on July 6th.
     Stemming (realigning quickly prior to the snap to throw off the blocking assignment of the offense) late in front of the offensive guard allowed for Jones to get penetration into the Eagles offensive backfield. Jones reward was meeting a wide receiver coming across the formation on a reverse prior to knocking the football out of his grasp.
     “I’m comfortable in my own skin. If I do something wrong, I admit it. If I see someone else doing something wrong, I’m going to say something about it. Once you get comfortable communicating honestly, you play better,” Jones said.
     “I got off the ball today at times well. The play on the reverse was one of those times. To be honest, I feel like I could’ve played better today. Film will tell that story. It’s our first day in pads though and there’s always room for improvement.”
     Newsom on the other hand, is an old face in a new place for the Eagles. Fullback was a spot that Newsom shared with teammate Seth Dankenbring last year. Both players brought their physical mentality from their linebacker position to block and catch for the offensive side of the football. Dankenbring is awaiting graduation as a member of the Class of 2020. Newsom is learning the new offensive position of tailback in the Eagles’ offense.
      To be asked to play both ways is a sign of respect in football. Being trusted to learn and execute things as an offensive and defensive player is not easy. It takes lots of physical reps, mental preparation, and acceptance of coaching. Newsom is preparing for both as a returning starter on defense and learning the nuances of ball protection, block reading, and pass protection schemes as a tailback on offense.
     “I was a running back in youth football. I have enjoyed getting back to my routes. Getting asked to go both ways is a challenge I am willing to meet to help this team win,” Newsom said.
     “If you think, it will slow you down. Both positions I play on each side of the football are about reaction. Our coaches give us permission to make mistakes early on in this process as long as we do them full speed.”
     Newsom did not hesitate when asked which side of the football he likes better and why.
     “On defense you are free. There’s a mentality you must possess being a member of our blackshirt defense. Seek and destroy the football. React to what you see and don’t hesitate.”
     Guiding Newsom on his growth in the offensive backfield is assistant varsity football coach Chris Pate. Grain Valley is home for Pate and his family. Pate will be wrapping up a decade as a teacher in the Grain Valley School District this school year. It will also be his seventh season as part of the football staff.
     Pate brings a wealth of knowledge with him as the new varsity running back coach for the Eagles. An all-state selection as a linebacker as well as being an all-conference running back during his prep days at Wellington-Napoleon High School is something that Pate acknowledges but does not like to elaborate on out of modesty.
     Pate has also served as a head football coach at Crest Ridge, Missouri, along with a stint as the defensive coordinator at William Chrisman High School in Independence, Missouri. Prior coaching experience is one of the reasons why Pate has pushed fundamentals and their proper execution by the players he coaches so far during team camp and on the field activities.
     “Ball security and knowing what to do on each play has been the primary focus for us. It doesn’t matter how much talent you possess as a runner, if you don’t hold onto the football you can’t play for us,” Pate said.
     “Reading the hole with how fast things happen in this offense (with pulling offensive lineman) is also something that grows out of confidence from reps and improving your reaction. Lastly, you must be willing to block.”
     Pate concluded, “I am excited be here and part of a successful staff that Coach Allie has built. I am looking forward to what lies ahead for us.”
 

     Fire up the grill on the back porch and grab your favorite libation. Major League Baseball is back. MLB Network shared the 60 game schedule each team will play on July 6th. Each club will have six off-days, except for the four teams beginning the season on July 23rd. They will have seven apiece due to being the first teams in action during the 2020 season.
     Below is a breakdown provided by MLB of what the revised 60 game schedule will look like for each team as the regular season will run through September 27th. Teams will be playing 37 percent of the scheduled games they would typically play during the duration of a regular 162 game season.
 
40 Divisional Games (20 home, 20 road)
10 games against each opponent, split between three series.
Each of these matchups will have either one team playing seven games at home and three on the road, or six at home and four on the road.
 
20 Interleague Games (10 home, 10 road)
Six games against the team’s natural interleague rival (three home, three road).
Four games apiece against two other opponents in the corresponding division (two home, two road).
One three-game home series against a fourth opponent.
One three-game road series against a fifth opponent.
 
     The Kansas City Royals will open their season on the road against the Cleveland Indians on July 24th. After three games in Cleveland, the Royals will take on another Central Division rival in Detroit against the Tigers before returning home.
     The Royals’ home opener will be July 31st at 7:05 pm at Kauffman Stadium against the White Sox per the Major League Baseball calendar. If that sounds familiar it should, as it will mark the third straight season the Royals’ home opener will be against the White Sox.
     Grain Valley Eagles head baseball coach Brian Driskell is interested in the return of professional baseball. The strategy used by teams and how they will approach the shortened season creates intrigue for Driskell.
     “My son and I sat and watched the live stream of batting practice the first day back for the players on Twitter. Baseball is a joy or passion for anyone who’s ever played the game, gone to the ballpark with their dad, or learned how to keep score. It’s called America’s pastime for a reason,” Driskell said.
     “Strategy deployed during games by managers will be paramount. My thought process is you will see more hit and run, bunting, and relievers going longer with the three batter minimum that is unique. Batters will try to actually take advantage of the shift deployed by hitting to the opposite field and laying down bunts close to the foul line.”
     “It’s funny that it’s actually a little bit closer of being like a prep atmosphere because every game matters. You might have two starters go back to back in a game instead of a bullpen trying to hold a lead.”
     Driskell continued, “A batter’s approach at the plate to some extent may be to look fastball or for something elevated first and then protect the plate as the at bat continues. I think the value of a run is going to be at a premium because you can’t rely on your team getting hot at some point over 162 games. Managers may be less patient with pitchers who don’t listen.”
     The state playoff experience enjoyed by Driskell in managing the Eagles in recent years has reassured him of the value of having a solid bullpen approach. Looking at the scorecard and having a plan for a grouping of opponents batters you are concerned with for the next time they will be up and who will match up best against them is important.
     Doing this at the outset of a game or a few innings ahead, instead of waiting for the moment trouble happens in a game promotes a better chance of victory. Knowing your pitchers’ strengths based on their stuff, stats, and how they matchup versus right or left handed batters is in the consistent forefront of Driskell’s managing thought process.
     “The three batter minimum for pitchers will affect strategy. That approach alone will be drastic. You might walk a batter intentionally so that you avoid a matchup you don’t like versus a right or left hander to get the most favorable matchups in a game. People will pay attention to the lineup card and look at matchups four or five batters down the road. I’ve seen an excellent batter in a high school playoff game be walked intentionally three times with no one base because the other team was determined that he wasn’t go to hurt them,” Driskell said.
     “Usually by the MLB All-Star game, there are five or six teams that are likely out of it by the break.  Now there may be 20 or so teams that are in it with 12 games left. That’s going to influence how people manage and approach each game.”
     Two things that Driskell enjoys about the Kansas City Royals is how they play the game and the needed distraction that they will provide in the coming months. Both will be a welcome sight.
     “One of the greatest things about the Royals in ’14 and ’15 was they played the game the way it was played during the 1950’s and 1960’s. They relied on athleticism, speed, fielding, and making contact with the baseball. I would love to see the game evolve backward away from the long ball,” Driskell said.
     “What I love about coaching baseball is taking advantage of your ability versus their inability. I would like to see guys going back to digging out ground balls and I think that will happen more with the abbreviated season.”
     Driskell concluded,” One of the things that will get lost is that baseball isn’t the most important thing in the world right now. We are looking for a distraction from the things that are going on economically, politically, or pandemically.”
     “There are a ton of kids who did not get drafted this year that would have normally. Those players will be playing college baseball this season depending on what happens with their season. The next three to five year window may see less players getting the chance to play baseball at a higher level. That is sad.”
 
 

​     The Planning & Zoning Commission met Wednesday, July 8th via video conference, issuing final plat approval for two projects.    
     The Commission approved the re-plat of Bush Business Park, consisting of  4 lots and 7.92 acres, located east of the Storage Mart facility and west of Valley Outdoor Equipment on the north side of Jefferson Street. The Commission also approved the final plat approval for Greystone Estates Phase II, consisting of 9 lots over 3.07 acres. The area is located south where Amanda Jean Way terminates in the Greystone Estates Subdivision.            
     Commission member Paul Loving asked Community Development Director Mark Trosen about the equipment moving dirt in a lot just south of the Taco Bell on Buckner Tarsney Road. Trosen indicated the lot is being considered by a company interested in developing a Panda Express restaurant on the site, and the Commission will receive an application to review once the company enters the next phase of the project.
     The next scheduled meeting of the City of Grain Valley Planning & Zoning Commission will take place on August 12th at 6:30pm.
 

​     Voters in Jackson County have expanded options to cast a ballot in the August primary election and November general election.
     Voters may head to the polls to vote in-person, request an absentee ballot, or request a mail-in ballot. The mail-in ballot was added due to COVID-19 concerns, enabling all registered voters the option to vote by mail.
     Absentee voters must meet one of seven reasons to vote absentee. Those who have contracted or in an at-risk category for contracting or transmitting coronavirus are now included in the list of reasons to vote absentee. Absentee voters claiming this exemption do not need to have their ballot notarized.
     Every registered voter is eligible to vote by mail-in ballot. An application is available on the Jackson County Election Board’s website, www.jcebmo.org, and may be mailed or dropped off to the Election Board offices at 215 N. Liberty, Independence.
     Once mail-in ballots are received and completed, they must be notarized.
     Requests to vote absentee or via mail-in ballot for the August 4, 2020 primary election must be received on or before Wednesday, July 22, 2020. To vote absentee or via mail-in ballot for the November general election, applications must be received on or before October 21st.
     Voters in the August 4th primary election will cast votes for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Treasurer, 6th District U.S. Representative and State Representative District 32.
     Jeff Coleman, Republican Incumbent for MO District 32, will run unopposed, as no candidate has filed for the Democratic, Libertarian, Green, or Constitution parties.
     Voters will also decide on Constitutional Amendment No. 2, which would adopt Medicaid expansion for persons 19 to 64 years of age with an income level at or below 133% of the federal poverty level.
     Polls will be open from 6:00am—7:00pm on election day.
 

​     I found this old advertisement mailer in items belonging to my granddad Rumbo.  Other than knowing it is from the Grain Valley Mercantile Co., I have no idea about when it was mailed as the postmark is not complete (sometime between 1910 and 1919).
     Copies of the 1889 and 1922 city directories do not mention a “Grain Valley Mercantile Co.” So, we don’t know the year, we don’t know the owner, and we don’t know where the mercantile was located! What we do know is there were plenty of great bargains including men’s fleeced lined heavy underwear for only 19-cents.
     The mailer talks about the “largest variety of merchandise it has ever been our pleasure to offer,” however it is interesting to note that only two actual items are mentioned --calico fabric and men’s underwear.  It is also interesting to note that neither of these items are available in Grain Valley today, over 100 years later!
 
     Visit the Grain Valley Historical Society at 506 S. Main on Wednesdays or visit us online at www.grainvalleyhistory.com and Facebook (@grainvalleyhistory).
 

     I handed my research paper to my professor with a confident grin. I had worked on the paper for days and was confident that it was a masterpiece! Although only in my first year of college, I knew that my professor would be impressed and would likely frame my paper and use it as an example for future students.
     Like a child anxiously awaiting Christmas morn, I couldn’t wait to get my graded paper back. On the fateful day, when class was over, he handed them out. Something was terribly wrong. All I could figure was he made a grievous error and inadvertently given me the wrong paper back.
     I could tell it was the wrong paper because this one had red marks all over it! I checked the cover sheet for the proper student and there it was—my name! Taken aback and a little embarrassed, I decided not to examine my paper on the spot. I stowed it away and headed home.
     Upon arrival, I carefully examined the paper, surprised to find notable errors all throughout. There were misspelled words, wrong punctuation, and poor writing techniques. Some of these were obvious.
     Others were new to me. He made notes like, “This is passive language,” “Your verb here is not in agreement,” and “Use a comma in your footnote rather than a period.”
     At first, I was taken aback. I felt like I had been punched in the gut. I also wondered if I was really cut out for college. But rather than getting bitter, I decided to get better. I accepted the criticism and decided to learn from it. Twenty-five years later, I’m still learning.
     A couple of weeks ago, I was telling a friend of an issue, years earlier, where someone was critical toward me on social media. He was surprised and said, “Wow, I never knew you needed such thick skin to be a pastor.” I laughed and said something like, “Pastors need a big heart and tough skin…kind of like a bighearted rhino.”
     All of us face some type of criticism from time to time. It’s not unique to any profession or person. 
     I don’t believe that any of us like to be criticized. Instead, we avoid it. When criticism manifests its ugly head, we bristle up in anger or retreat into isolation—or a combination of both. 
     Now, to be honest, some people just have the spiritual gift of criticism and were born to fight. They’re not looking for resolution and don’t believe in win/win. They just enjoy fighting.
     People who are overly critical generally operate from a heart filled with pain. Their critical spirit helps them feel better about themselves. Sometimes, it’s just best to not invite these people into your life.
     But for the most part, most people are not like that. Most people criticize out of love or concern. Over time, I’ve learned to embrace criticism as a gift. I’ve learned a couple of things about criticism over the years.
 
     Within each piece of criticism there is an element of truth.
     As a pastor for years, I have the privilege to talk to lots of different people. Everyone has their own opinion that is shaped by their own perspective and environment. But everyone has something to offer. Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
     If someone says to me, “I’ve got a bone to pick with you…I didn’t like it when you…,” I close my mouth, make solid eye contact, smile, and listen closely. I try to remember that, valid or not, they truly believe what they are saying. Generally, the altercation will fall into three categories.     
     First, there are times when it was simply a misunderstanding. In these situations, I may have been misquoted, someone just did not hear correctly, or got the wrong impression.
     I apologize that they were hurt and that I was not clear enough or gave the wrong impression. I tell them that I appreciate their honesty and the strength that it took to be transparent with their feelings and that I’m glad we could “clear the air.”  
     Second, there are other times, when I was just wrong. I made the wrong decision or did not think through something and made a mistake. During these times, I confess my error, ask for forgiveness, and tell them I will work on making necessary adjustments.
     This is not the time for me to point out their faults. I am only the student. I thank them for confronting me and allowing me the opportunity for growth.
     Finally, there are times when I was right in what I did or said, but they just didn’t like it. In these instances, I kindly reiterate my position, offer the necessary evidence for my stance, and apologize that their feelings were hurt.
     Although I may feel bad when people are hurt, I will not compromise what I believe to be truth. They’ll have to see my supervisor on that one.
     In each case, I strive to learn something. Even in times when I was right, I wonder if I could have been more loving and kind and approached it differently. Oftentimes, the answer is yes. The Bible says, “Speak the truth in love” (Eph 4:15). Love must be the ultimate motivation.
 
With criticism comes knowledge and growth.
     As an Associate Professor of speech, through the years, I have reminded my students that criticism is not a bad word. Criticism, done properly (often called constructive criticism), illuminates our imperfections and allows us to make corrections.
     Every single semester, my students are required to do peer evaluations—to point out what their peers did well and could have done better in their speech. They are also responsible to do a personal evaluation where they watch their own speech and offer a personal critique.
     Both are extremely painful, but both are essential for growth—kind of like surgery. The knowledge gained from these times of criticism is extremely beneficial for the future. I’ve had many students have that “aha” moment when watching themselves on video.
     Experience is the best teacher. As the young protégé asked his mentor, “How do I learn to make good decisions? The teacher replied, “By making lots of bad decisions and learning from them.”
 
     Criticism opens the door for reconciliation.
     While it’s true that some people are unkind and prefer to throw rocks on social media while hiding behind a keyboard, criticism, offered for the right reasons, can be an agent for introspection and transformation. The overall goal should be love and harmony. The Bible says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Prov 27:17).
     I have a friend who used to say, “Don’t go away mad. Just go away.” As humorous as that appears, anger causes pain and isolation. It’s a lose/lose scenario.
     Rather, reconciliation and restoration should be the ultimate goal. The Bible says, “If anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness” (Gal 6:1).
     Obviously, none of us are perfect. That’s why God sent Jesus. If you think you are, your issue is simple—pride and arrogance.
     If you’d like to know what your imperfections are, ask several friends, “What do you think are my three greatest weaknesses?” Criticism done properly and received properly can be a wonderful gift. It tears down walls and opens the door for growth and reconciliation.
     Although it hurt at the time, I’m thankful for that research paper that was full of red marks. It helped me to become a better researcher and writer. It also helped me to become a better professor.
     Now, when grading papers, I use constructive criticism, positive reinforcement, specific examples, and, one more thing: I use purple ink.
 
Dr. Wayne Geiger is the Pastor of First Baptist Grain Valley, an Adjunct Associate Professor of Speech, and freelance writer.
 

1. Understand what backup is. 
     For those of you who don't know, backing up is the practice of making sure your files are copied to multiple places. In the event of a technology disaster, you can recover your files and continue where you left off.
     You can always buy new devices, but you can never replace photos, videos, and documents that are stored on your devices in a ransomware attack.
     The act of backing up isn't too hard of a process, but knowing the right way to backup your information can be a challenge because there are so many backup technologies out there. Here are the different forms of backup:

External hard drive.
An external hard drive is a device that usually plugs into your desktop or laptop computer. With the aid of Windows File History or Apple's Time Machine, your files are automatically copied to your external hard drive. Seagate: (www.seagate.com) and Western Digital (www.wd.com) are the top manufacturers of external hard drives.

Network Access Storage.
This device is like an external hard drive on steroids. You can use this device to store large amounts of files (provided you are backing up the Network Access Storage) or you can backup massive amounts of data directly to it, acting as a file server for your home or office network. NAS devices can also be accessed from remote destinations offering you or your business a personal cloud storage service. Western Digital (www.wd.com) QNAP (www.qnap.com) and Buffalo (www.buffalotech.com) are the top manufacturers of NAS drives.

Cloud Services.
Basically the cloud is someone else's computer. The whole purpose is for you to be able to access your files from anywhere in the world. You can choose to just store files in the cloud or you can send your backup to the cloud as well. There are two ways the cloud works. Cloud Storage: services like OneDrive (www.onedrive), DropBox (www.dropbox.com) , Box (www.box.com, and Google Drive (www.google.com) allows you to store your files in the cloud for the sole purpose of you being able to access your files anywhere in the world. Cloud Backup: Cloud Backup services like Carbonite (www.carbonite.com) or BackBlaze (www.backblaze.com) will automatically backup your files to the cloud and keep multiple copies in the case something catastrophic happens to your files.

2. Understand How Ransomeware works.
     Ransomware is probably one of the most destructive forms of viruses out there. Like other forms of cybercrime, ransomware requires user interaction which means you should always be cautious of what you click on in emails, websites, and text messages.
     What makes ransomware so deadly is it will work to spread to other computers on your personal or company network, mapped drives, and cloud storage devices and cloud backup services. This is why more companies and individuals need to have multiple forms of backup to ensure files are kept safe. 
 
3. Understand how backup software works.
     For external hard drives and NAS devices, Windows users can take advantage of File History to backup files to an external hard drive. Macintosh users can use Time Machine. Both File History and Time Machine automatically save the files on your computer and store them to your backup device. Time Machine is the superior software as it performs a backup of your entire mac and makes multiple copies. If your computer is hit with ransomware, you can restore it from a previous copy. 
     Although Windows File History works well, it is advised that you use the backup software that Western Digital and Seagate Provide with their devices because it allows you to create multiple backups. With cloud backup services, the process is simple.
     Once you install the backup software from the service, your computers are backed up as soon as you connect to the internet. Every time you save a file or files to your computer, it's sent to the cloud instantly. Keep in mind this does not happen when you use services like DropBox or Box.
 
4. What about my mobile devices such as phones and tablets.
     At the current time, ransomware is very rare for smartphones or tablets. To keep this and other threats off your devices, watch where you visit and what apps you download. Also, Apple users need to always use iCloud (www.icloud.com) to automatically backup information on iOS devices and Android users need to enable Google Drive and Google Photos to backup information.

5. How can I keep my Backups Safe From Ransomware?
     Well, the truth is with Ransomware, there is no way to keep them away from your backups once they are on your computers and network. This is why it's important to train yourself and your staff on how to keep safe from the threats out there. Remember, 99% of all cybercrime requires user interaction which means to activate ransomware, you have to click on a link in an email or web site, or download an attachment to your computer for most of these viruses to do damage.
​
     One of the best practices for keeping your files safe from ransomware attacks is to have an onsite backup using an external hard drive that is keeping at least three backup copies of your files and offsite backup with a cloud service provider that is always keeping multiple copies of your files. Onsite backups are important because if disaster strikes, you can quickly get access to your files. With a cloud backup service, it could take days to get your information back. For most of us, we can't wait days to get access to precious photos and videos or important business documents.
 
     When it comes to Ransomware or any other cyber threats to your computers or devices, prevention is the first step that you need to take. You will be better prepared if you know what you are up against. Always check your backups to make sure they are doing their job and working around the clock to keep your files safe and secure.
     Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@callintegralnow.com. If you prefer to connect with me on social media, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter and watch great tech tip videos on my YouTube channel. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I want to make technology fun and easy to use for everyone!
     If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team at Integral. My team of friendly tech experts are always standing by to answer your questions and help make your technology useful and fun. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829. 
 

Jackson County Public Works Environmental Health Division inspects all restaurants, grocery stores, schools, mobile food and temporary food establishments in the City of Grain Valley. The following violations were reported in the last 30 days:
 

El Tequilazo Cocina y Cantina LLC
522 S. Main ST
The freezer is at 27*F. All product was still frozen and immediately moved to another freezer that is at 5*F.  Re-inspection required.
 
McDonald’s
712 N. Main
Observed a container of cut tomatoes past its discard date. Corrected on site. Manager discarded the expired food. Observed ready-to-eat burrito mix stored in the walk in cooler with no date markings. Corrected on site. Manager placed a discard date on the product. Grease build up on the floors and baseboards by the grill. Repeat violation. Correct by August 10th.
 
Subway
109 AA Highway
The soda nozzles at the drink station in the dining area had an accumulation of stuck on residue. Corrected on site. Manager cleaned and sanitized dirty soda nozzles. 
 
Casey’s General Store
1251 AA Hwy
Chemical bottles stored next to a prep station. Corrected on site. Manager placed the chemical bottle in the designated area. Missing ceiling tile in the back storage area. Repeat violation. Correct by August 17th. Accumulation of food debris inside the pizza make table cooler.
 
Grain Valley Aquatic Center
713 S. Main
No violations recorded.
 
Casey’s General Store
101 S. Buckner Tarsney Road
Multiple containers of pre-cooked sausage and a container of diced tomatoes were stored in the reach in cooler of the pizza make table. Repeat; re-inspection required. Employee was aware of the dates each product was prepped and labeled each container. Corrected on site. Repeat priority violations were found during this inspection. Required re-inspection will be conducted on 7/2/2020. Ceiling vents in the kitchen area have accumulation of dust. 3rd repeat violation; re-inspection required. 3rd Non-critical Violations require a re-inspection to insure continued compliance. Notice of Violation will be issued if violation if not compliant by re-inspection date. The pizza make table cooler is in disrepair; water was observed coming from under the cooler on the back side.
 
Lin’s Kitchen
1111 SW Eagles Parkway
1. The can opener had an excessive buildup of food debris on the blade. Corrected on site. Employee cleaned and sanitized the blade. 2. The rice pot that was not used today and was stored away as a clean dish, had stuck on food debris. Corrected on site. Employee cleaned and sanitized the pot. 3. Stuck on food debris was observed on a clean meat utensil. Corrected on site. Employee cleaned and sanitized the utensil. A container of uncovered raw eggs was being stored above a uncovered container of fresh carrots on the make table top shelf. Corrected on site. Employee placed the container of raw eggs on the bottom shelf. Observed a broken scoop used for dry rice. Corrected on site. Employee discarded broken utensil.
 
Armstrong Park Concession Stand
713 S Main
No violations recorded.
 
Quik Trip
1110 Buckner Tarsney Road
Chemical bottle stored next to clean utensils. Corrected on site. Manager placed the chemical bottle in the designated area. Observed a leakage under the three compartment sink. Manager placed a work order in for leaking issues to be repaired.
 
Papa Murphy’s
1203 Buckner Tarsney Road
The scoop for the taco seasoning did not have a handle. Corrected on site. Employee discarded the scoop.
 
Valley Nutrition
201 N Main
The floors behind the counter has an accumulation of sticky residue. Correct by August 30th.
 
Comfort Inn
210 NW Jefferson
No violations recorded.
 

     Fishing is fun, and the first steps to catching a fish are getting basic tackle ready to use and knowing where and how to present lures and bait in the water.
     The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer a virtual fishing clinic at 10:00am on Saturday, July 18th. Instructors from MDC’s Kansas City and Northwest regions will cover topics such tackle, casting, fish identification, regulations, and ethics.
     This clinic is an excellent opportunity for people to learn the basic fishing skills and gear needed to get started and catch fish. Experienced anglers also may find a tip or two that helps them catch more fish or a new species. Western Missouri has a variety of waters to fish in, from farm ponds and small streams to large rivers and lakes.
     Besides instruction, this virtual session will offer question and answer interaction for participants. This clinic will help anglers learn skills from the comfort of home that they can take outdoors and go fishing.
     MDC is offering some in-person outdoor programs in the coming weeks with safety protocols as a precaution against the COVID-19 virus. But staff will also offer virtual programs as an easy way for people to connect with the outdoors and learn lifetime skills.
     Participants are asked to pre-register for the virtual clinic by July 16th by visiting https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z8p. They must register with a valid email address. A link will be sent via email for them to join the clinic online on July 18th.
     Missouri offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities for anglers whether fishing from shore or a watercraft. To learn more about fishing, visit https://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing.
 

      While school’s in session, 22 million kids rely on the National School Lunch Program for free and reduced-price meals. But the need for food continues into summer months. Therefore, Hy-Vee, in partnership with Kellogg’s and Keurig Dr Pepper, has launched its End Summer Hunger campaign. During the month of July, for every qualifying purchase at a Hy-Vee grocery store, one meal will be donated to Feeding America food banks in Hy-Vee’s eight-state region.
     The goal is to provide 1.5 million meals to children and families in need. You can do your part by purchasing one of the following products at a Hy-Vee location near you: Kellogg’s Frosted Mini-Wheats, Kellogg’s Club crackers and Town House crackers, CORE Hydration (six-pack), select Bai Antioxidant Infusion drinks (six-pack), and Evian Natural Spring Water (six-pack). Need some delicious, yet nutritious, ways to use these products? Let your Hy-Vee dietitian be of some help. 
 
Kellogg’s Frosted Mini-Wheats: Rise and shine with your new morning meal. Forgo the toaster pastries this month, and pour a bowl of belly-loving, bite-size biscuits. Made with 100% whole grains, these tasty squares pair perfectly with your choice of milk. Simply slice up a peach on the side, and you can feel proud about your meal as well as your donation to families in need.
 
Kellogg’s Club crackers and Town House crackers: Flaky. Buttery. Dare I say more? These crackers are the perfect vehicle for any flavor of hummus or guacamole dip. In addition, they make a wonderful stand-alone snack or part of a party platter with delicious cheeses and low-sodium deli meat. Join the End Summer Hunger club with Club or Town House crackers.
 
CORE Hydration (six-pack): Feel good to your core by helping those who need it most. CORE Hydration can come in clutch during these hot summer months when dehydration can hit the danger zone. CORE is balanced with electrolytes and minerals to work in perfect hydration harmony, keeping you happy and energized.
 
Bai Antioxidant Infusion (six-pack): The goal is saying good-Bai to summer hunger once and for all. If you’re worn out on water, kick those taste buds up a notch while keeping calories low. Whether you prefer peach or are just fond of all things fruity, there’s a Bai beverage flavor just for you. 
 
Evian Natural Spring Water (six-pack): Cheers! Yet another water choice to consider when thinking of those who need it most. This particular water option takes the hassle out of hydration, plus it’s the perfect canvas to jazz up by throwing in slices of lemon, lime and mint.
 
     Summer hunger may be temporary, yet its impact can last a lifetime. Research shows children who miss breakfast and lunch are more likely to be sick, inattentive and disruptive when they return to the classroom. In addition, more families have struggled this year because of the effects of COVID-19. If you’re hungry to help, stop by your local Hy-Vee store and pick up one of the products mentioned above. Let’s all do our part to end summer hunger to ensure families have access to meals no matter the month of the year. 
 
     The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.
    
Megan Callahan is one of your Hy-Vee Corporate Dietitians. She is dedicated to helping people live healthier and happier lives. Megan received a bachelor’s degree in dietetics from Missouri State University. She completed her dietetic internship at the University of Kansas Medical Center, where she also received her Master of Science degree in dietetics and nutrition. Megan has been working with Hy-Vee full-time for 10 years. With a passion for nutrition and wellness, Megan is dedicated to educating customers and promoting healthy lifestyles to our Hy-Vee community. Megan lives in Lee’s Summit with her husband Matt, and their 2 children Kennedy (4) & Carsyn (2).