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The weather last Friday may not have been very welcoming, but the sound of laughter and smell of coffee emanating from the First Baptist Church, where the YMCA’s Active Older Adults programming has found a home in Grain Valley, could make any visitor feel warm and welcome. When the Blue Springs YMCA closed at the end of October, the close-knit group of members who attended Active Older Adult programming found themselves without a home. Kathy Sather, Active Older Adult Coordinator with the YMCA since 1998. was thrilled the program was able to find a home quickly in Grain Valley. “The Blue Springs YMCA closed on October 30th and we were up and running here (at First Baptist Grain Valley) on November 4th. We have been up and running and just staying busy trying to implement programming over here. The church has been tremendous to us,” Sather said. Long time members and friends Johna Hays, Lillian King, and Lana McGinnis worked on a puzzle while Sather led a Tai Chi for Arthritis class. “Of course we miss the pool, but we missed our family more. We consider this our community and our family,” member Johna Hays said. Lana McGinnis believes the programming offered through the Active Older Adults program is vital to keeping seniors active and engaged. “It means a great deal to me. If you don’t have something like this, even though I have family living with me, I’m sitting there in the living room staring at the TV. I have nothing to do and no one to talk to. But I come down here, and these women are my lifeline to sanity. I don’t think anyone would think that this wasn’t a good thing,” McGinnis said. Johna Hays and her sister were members at the Blue Springs YMCA and followed the program to Grain Valley when it opened in November. “When we first joined, we just needed an outlet. We needed a place to go. We were lonely. This is our home and this is our family. Kathy (Sather) has just bent over backwards doing everything she can to keep getting programs going and get new people to come in. She’s just amazing,” Hays said. Friendships made often extend beyond the time they spend together at YMCA programs. “When I was sick, they (Johna Hays and her sister) took me to doctor’s appointments, brought over food, and came to visit. I don’t know what I would have done without them. They were my angels,” McGinnis said. The center is open Monday—Friday from 9:00am—3:00pm. A wide variety of programs are offered, including Tai Chi, yoga, line dancing, Silver Sneakers programming, game days, potlucks, movie days, service projects, Bible study, and regular field trips. An upcoming field trip to the Genghis Khan exhibit is planned for March. Memberships are $20/month and include all programming, with the exception of fees for field trips and special classes. Programming is held at the First Baptist Church, 207 W. Walnut ST, Grain Valley. There is ample accessible parking on site. For more information on the Active Older Adults program, visit www.kansascityymca.org/grainvalleyaoa or www.facebook.com/grainvalleyYMCAAOA/. Members of the Active Older Adults program with the YMCA participated in a Tai Chi for Arthritis class on January 10th at the Grain Valley YMCA at First Baptist Church Grain Valley. Kathy Sather, Active Older Adult Coordinator, leads the class. Photo credit: Valley News staff YMCA Active Older Adult program members Lana McGinnis (left) and Lillian King (center) visit and work on a puzzle with fellow member Johna Hays.
Photo credit: Valley News staff by John Unrein The Lady Eagles Basketball team turned in an impressive performance with their victory over the visiting Smithville Warriors on Monday, January 6th by a score of 53 to 34. Grain Valley used efficient and unselfish ball movement with their passes to find open post players, shooters, and cutters to the basket. This was attained primarily by the Lady Eagles attacking the third side of the defense with their crisp passes around the arc and to the post. The game plan worked, as it wore down Smithville in the second half and afforded Grain Valley to build a sizable lead. Top offensive performers for Grain Valley included Senior Keely Hill and Freshman Grace Slaughter. Hill produced 9 points, 9 offensive rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in a strong showing. Slaughter was robust as well while pouring in 25 points, pulling down 4 offensive rebounds, and 2 assists of her own. Hill’s efforts were aided by her growing ability to box out in the paint, not giving up ground in the post defensively, and looking to pass first to open players when on the perimeter. “At practice we have worked on getting lower in our stance defensively, which allows you to be lower on their leg or knee when turning towards the basket and boxing out when a shot goes up. That has made it easier to be aggressive when rebounding,” Hill said. “Offensively it’s the best when I see an open teammate sneaking to the basket and get them ball to score. I have to hide my smile. I got two of those tonight while I was on the perimeter.” Slaughter is the tallest player listed on Grain Valley’s roster at 6’ 1” tall. The freshman is also listed as a point guard in the program but displayed versatility in both handling the basketball and being comfortable scoring around the goal in the post. “I was excited to play Smithville tonight because I know they are a conference opponent and a tough team. We were pumped to match up against them and played one of our best games of the season,” Slaughter said. “The key offensively tonight was we were unselfish. Hitting the open man and a willingness to cut and continually move has been an area of improvement for us. On the defensive side, we talked and that helped us be aware.” The Warriors game plan included spreading the floor in trying to locate open three point shooters behind the arc and people motioning through the lane to force close outs by Grain Valley. Head Basketball Coach Randy Draper’s squad was up for the challenge. The Lady Eagles were vocal in calling out the needed switches in their man to man defense in thwarting much of Smithville’s game plan. Drawing perimeter assignments against the Warriors and not allowing easy looks at the basket were Juniors Jordyn Weems and Malia Guttierrez. The four fouls committed collectively by both players prevented easy shots and forced Smithville to try and earn points at the foul line instead. Draper was pleased with his team’s effort in picking up the win. “We talked after the game about how good the sharing of the basketball was offensively tonight. This team is starting to figure it out that you are hard to guard if you will share it all the time. We cut, we want to pass to our teammate, and that makes us fun to watch right now,” Draper said. “Our kids were on top of the needed switches defensively. We work on that every day but it’s really nice to see in a game and they didn’t keep secrets from one another. The communication came naturally. This was a great win.” Draper continued, “Keely is one of the best defensive rebounders that’s ever played here. She will box you out and is a tremendous outlet passer. If your open, number 4 is going to get you the ball. She’s also getting her shot rolling which will be huge for us.” “When people ask me about Grace and what position she plays, I just say yes. That’s due to her versatility. What’s neat is how her teammates are playing off that and what she can do for the good of our team.” Grace Slaughter wins the game starting tip off for the Lady Eagles. Photo credit: Valley News staff Malia Guttierrez attempts a three point jump shot.
Photo credit: Valley News staff The Newmark Grubb Zimmer Team of Michael VanBuskirk, SIOR, CCIM, CRE, Chris Robertson, CCIM and Trenton Wahl successfully brokered the sale of a 36-unit multifamily portfolio located at 201-219, 223-225 Barr Road, Grain Valley, Missouri. The property was 100% leased at closing. The Seller was T&T Real Estate, LLC, and the Buyer was an investor based in Utah.. Photo credit: Newmark Grubb Zimmer
With the merriment of the holiday season behind us, the start of a new year brings less festive realities for businesses and individuals, including tax preparation and planning. Lorne Meinershagen, CPA, Managing Member of Meinershagen & Co., brought some practical advice and levity regarding business tax issues to the Grain Valley Partnership’s January luncheon. Meinershagen reviewed how the structuring of a business (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporations, etc.) can impact a business owner’s liability as well as issues related to taxes. Meinershagen emphasized the importance of reaching out to and establishing a relationship with a trusted tax advisor, preferably prior to setting up a business, to ensure the business is structured in a way to best protect the owner from liability and ensure proper tax planning. Meinershagen & Co. provides tax planning and preparation for businesses and individuals, preparation of financial statements, consulting on business start-up needs, payroll services, accounting software support, and assistance with business and personal tax problems. To schedule an appointment, call 816-847-0536 or visit www.floydmeinershagenandco.com. The Partnership’s February luncheon will be held Tuesday, February 4th. For more information about the Grain Valley Partnership and their upcoming events, visit www.growgrainvalley.org. Lorne Meinershagen, CPA, Managing Member of Meinershagen & Co., spoke to Grain Valley Partnership members about tax tips and strategies for businesses at the Partnership’s January 7th luncheon.
Photo credit: Diana Luppens, Switch Focus Studios by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society The Pink Hill Methodist Church was organized in 1871 with thirteen charter members; J. M. Adams, Elisha Moore, Mrs. Elizabeth Moore, Frank Youree, E. P. St Clair, Mrs. Leanna Mann, Truce Duncan, C. E. St Clair, Mrs. Mary St. Clair, Mrs. Lucy Cundiff, Briton Capelle, Mrs. S. B. Keshler and J. W. Mann. The church was purchased from George R. Carlyle and his wife in 1871 and deeded to the first trustees; J. M. Adams, Frank Youree, Ephram Lane, Clinton Mayes, William Gilliland, Briton Capelle, Levi Potts and their successors.
The church structure was started in the fall of 1871 and completed in the spring of 1872. Timber was plentiful and the church was built with native lumber, cut, hauled to the sawmills and sawed into lumber. All of the work was donated and the total cost of the 36 x 48 feet building with 14 feet high ceilings was $3,000. The building originally had two doors – one for the ladies who sat on one side of the church and a second door for the gents who sat on the other side. The unpretentious church had two stoves and two chimneys, but no steeple and no spire. In 1873 the parsonage was built and the first Sunday School was organized. By 1875 the congregation had grown to 300, its highest membership. Between 1875-1877 approximately one-third of the population of Pink Hill and vicinity were members of the Pink Hill Church. The hopes of rebuilding after the Civil War, a school, and a church were not enough to bring the railroad to Pink Hill. With the completion of the Chicago and Alton to Kansas City in 1878, Pink Hill became the mother church for churches established at Oakland, Grain Valley and Oak Grove. By the end of the century all that remained at Pink Hill was the school, the church and one general store which burned in 1903. The little church struggled on, but never had the numbers it had once enjoyed. In 1909 the church organized the Epworth League for young adults. That same year the Ladies Aid was organized. Both organizations included social activities and reached out into the community. They still hoped to keep the church alive. In 1921, fifty years after the dedication, the first Home Coming was held on the first Sunday in June. The yearly affair celebrated its highest attendance in 1926 when there were 250 people present for the morning service. In 1945 electric lights were installed in the sanctuary. But in 1946 when the 75th anniversary was observed attendance was poor. In 1949 the church building was badly in need of repair. Interest had dwindled and attendance was low and irregular. It was evident that something had to be done. With the labor of men, women, and children, old and young, members of the church and the community accomplished something of a revival. New roofing, new siding, new walls, and ceiling, new doors and various other improvements were made. 1953 saw a new basement added to the church and the Ladies Aid had a new meeting place. The members of the church celebrated the 100th anniversary in 1971. After that date attendance again dwindled. With modern churches, and better educated ministers, the population sought other congregations. The church closed in May, 1977. Note: Early church records, membership rolls and some of the original furnishings can be viewed at the Grain Valley Historical Society. Learn more about the Grain Valley Historical Society at www.grainvalleyhistory.com. The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of December 25-30, 2019.
Jackson County provided an update on the status of unprocessed appeal applications submitted by email in a press release on January 8th.
According to the release, following review of an email account managed by Board of Equalization (BOE) staff, the Assessment Department found approximately 8,600 “unread” emails. The release stated the Assessment Department assigned staff to review those emails for any unresolved BOE appeals. A review by the Assessment Department determined that approximately 3,800 unresolved BOE appeals were contained in those emails. The department is working to make contact with those appellants and ensure that those BOE appeals are properly processed. Due to inclement weather in the forecast for later this week, Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) Kansas City has adjusted its timeline regarding work at the I-435 and I-70 interchange. This work includes various lane closures. All work is weather permitting.
This work includes a traffic switch for northbound I-435. Once this phase of work is completed, northbound traffic will cross over to the southbound lanes with traffic moving in two lanes each direction. This pattern will remain in place until the new northbound lanes and bridges are constructed. Crews will also have one lane of the ramp from westbound I-70 to northbound I-435 will be closed for retraining wall construction daily beginning at 7:00am until 5:00pm through Friday, January 10th. Motorists are advised to plan ahead, leave early, or consider alternate routes. This is all part of the I-435 and I-70 construction project and it will have significant impacts on traffic for two full construction seasons. After months of practice, GVHS band students selected for the District Honor Band traveled to University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO to play at Hendricks Hall on Saturday, January 4th.
Pictured left to right: (Front row) Emily Knowles, Ezra Whitaker, Zack Jenkins, Emily Stokes (Middle row)Braden Fulk, Brooke Florida, Jack Martin, Jack Temples (Back row) Michael Cluney, Shane Pence, Alex Clements, Tristan Spooner Photo by Mr. Daniel Berard, Director of Bands GVHS Voters will decide on February 4th on a $7.5 million no tax increase bond renewal to fund capital improvements for Central Jackson County Fire Protection District (CJCFPD).
CJCFPD serves the communities of Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Lake Tapawingo, and portions of unincorporated Jackson County. Approximately $3 million of the bond will be used to replace two aging fire engines and a ladder truck. Funds will also be used to update safety equipment for replacement fire trucks, replace emergency medical equipment, repair and remodel existing facilities, including HVAC updates to units nearing 30 years of use. CJCFPD Fire Chief Jeff Grote highlighted two additional projects included in the bond package. “One of the most important upgrades for citizens are technology updates to storm warning sirens. We will update 34 outdoor storm warning sirens and add four new sirens. Most people don’t know that we are working with civil defense era technology on our warning sirens. Currently, when we test sirens monthly, we have to send a person to each siren to stand and ensure each is working properly. With new technology, we can monitor each siren from a central computer,” Grote said. The bond package also provides for the replacement of personal protective firefighting gear. “We have seen a rash of cancer in firefighters across the country, and our industry has become much more aware of the risks and how to protect firefighters in the field. Our employees are our greatest asset, and we want to be ahead of the curve in replacing outdated gear to protect them from the hazards they face,” Grote said. |
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