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Avila University recently announced its Fall 2022 Dean’s List recipients, recognizing the academic excellence of the more than 330 undergraduate students who earned the distinction.
The dean’s list comprises undergraduate students who meet requirements in the Colleges of Arts and Sciences and Professional Schools. All full-time admitted undergraduate students are eligible for the dean’s list. To be included on the dean’s list, students must have successfully completed at least 12 credit hours with at least a 3.5-grade point average for the semester. Five students from Grain Valley were included in the Fall 2022 Dean's List: Joshua Kilpatrick Kyle Hammond Madison Mann Jacob Brenner Hayden Rowland Missouri non-farm payroll employment decreased by 5,000 jobs from November 2022 to December 2022, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point. Private industry employment decreased by 5,300 jobs and government employment increased by 300 jobs.
The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.8 percent in December 2022, an increase of one-tenth of a percentage point from 2.7 percent in November 2022. Over the year, there was an increase of 47,600 jobs from December 2021 to December 2022, and the unemployment rate decreased by 1.1 percentage points, from 3.9 percent in December 2021 to 2.8 percent in December 2022. UNEMPLOYMENT Missouri's smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point in December 2022, rising to 2.8 percent from the revised November 2022 rate of 2.7 percent. The December 2022 rate was 1.1 percentage point lower than the December 2021 rate of 3.9 percent. The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 84,553 in December 2022, up by 1,528 from November's 83,025. The national unemployment rate decreased from 3.6 in November 2022 to 3.5 in December 2022. Missouri's unemployment rate has been at or below the national rate for the last five years. The state's not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate decreased in December 2022, declining by one-tenth of a percentage point to 2.3 percent from the November 2022 not-seasonally-adjusted rate of 2.4 percent. A year ago, the not-seasonally-adjusted rate was 3.4 percent. The corresponding not-seasonally-adjusted national rate for December 2022 was 3.3 percent. Missouri's labor force participation rate was 62.6 percent in December 2022, three-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 62.3 percent. Missouri's employment-population ratio was 60.9 percent in December 2022, eight-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 60.1 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate was 2.8 percent in December 2022, seven-tenths of a point lower than the national rate of 3.5 percent. EMPLOYMENT Missouri's non-farm payroll employment was 2,933,300 in December 2022, down by 5,000 from the revised November 2022 figure. The November 2022 total was revised downward from the preliminary estimate by 2,000 jobs. Goods-producing industries decreased by 4,300 jobs over the month, with manufacturing gaining 200 jobs and mining, logging, & construction declining by 4,500 jobs. Private service-providing industries decreased by 1,000 jobs between November 2022 and December 2022. Employment in private service-providing industries decreased in leisure & hospitality (-3,600 jobs); professional & business services (-1,200 jobs); and information (-400 jobs). Employment increased in educational & health services (1,700 jobs); other services (1,100 jobs); financial activities (800 jobs); and trade, transportation, & utilities (600 jobs). Government employment increased by 300 jobs over the month with all gains occurring in local government. Over the year, total payroll employment increased by 47,600 jobs from December 2021 to December 2022. The major private-sector industry groups that increased were professional & business services (14,500 jobs); educational & health services (11,000 jobs); manufacturing (6,900 jobs); financial activities (5,900 jobs); leisure & hospitality (4,900 jobs); other services (4,300 jobs); and mining, logging, & construction (3,300 jobs). Employment decreased in trade, transportation, & utilities (-2,700 jobs) and information (-1,300 jobs). Government employment increased over the year, with a gain of 800 jobs. Government employment increased in local government (2,300 jobs) and state government (900 jobs). Employment decreased over the year in federal government (-2,400 jobs). Being a caregiver to someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s is often a full-time job and finding ways to connect can be challenging. Two Midwest entrepreneurs recently launched Connectivities, an innovative memory care toolbox geared at helping caregivers form more meaningful, mindful connections with their loved ones. Each Connectivities box includes eight activities guiding participants through simple tasks using crafts, puzzles, and games. The activities are designed by a group of educators, a registered nurse, occupational and music therapists to incorporate therapeutic goals, build neuroplasticity, and boost the brain’s ability to change, adapt, and make new connections. “The activities can help start a conversation and meet loved ones where they are today,” Mandy Shoemaker, co-founder of Connectivities explained. “Every box is really an invitation for fun, for laughter, and an authentic connection. They create a safe, supportive space that your loved one might need to get up from the TV and try something new.” Connectivities was founded by Mandy Shoemaker and Michala Gibson, who have successfully owned and operated Prairie Elder Care in Overland Park. “Like many elder care facilities during the pandemic, we were faced with staffing shortages and began searching for ways to keep residents happy and engaged,” shared Gibson. “We started creating activity kits and both our staff and residents really took to them. We found it’s simply about being able to connect. Someone living with dementia might not remember the activity, but they will remember the feeling they got while doing it.” For more information on Connectivities, visit Connectivities.us and on Instagram @connectivitiesbox. Founded in 2022, Connectivities offers caregivers space and time for meaningful, mindful connection with loved ones and residents through thoughtfully curated activity boxes. Image credit: Connectivities
The following information is derived from Grain Valley Police Department daily calls service log for the week of January 18-24, 2023.
January 18, 2023 900 Blk NE Deer Creek Rd Stealing 900 Blk NE Deer Creek Rd Citizen contact 1000 Blk SW Christie Ln Citizen contact 600 Blk SW Brome Dr Alarm check 800 Blk SW Lee Ann Dr Suspicious vehicle 500 Blk W Front St Unresponsive person 300 NE Coldwater Creek Stealing 100 Blk SW Eagles Citizen contact 900 Blk NW Scenic Dr Citizen contact 900 Blk SW Clover Dr Recovered stolen auto 100 Blk S Main St Property damage E Duncan Rd & NW Rosewood Dr Welfare check January 19, 2023 100 Blk Jensen Burglary 100 Blk E Broadway St Disturbance 900 Blk SW Ryan Rd Agency assist 100 Blk Broadway Citizen contact PHQ Citizen contact 1300 Blk NW Valley Woods Ct Citizen contact PHQ Citizen contact SW Graystone & NE Jaclyn Dr Stealing January 20, 2023 1100 Blk S Buckner-Tarsney Rd Citizen contact 600 Blk SW Tisha Ln Suspicious person 500 Blk NW South St Welfare check 1200 Blk NW Phelps Citizen contact 1500 Blk NW Eagle Ridge Welfare check 700 Blk N Main St Citizen contact 1100 Blk NW Golfview Stealing / Curfew 1100 Blk NW Golfview Harassment January 21, 2023 Sni-A-Bar/Eagles Area check 800 Blk SW Cross Creek Stealing 1100 Blk SW Ephraim Citizen contact MO Country Agency assist 1100 Blk SW Ephraim Suspicious vehicle PHQ Child abuse 900 Blk NW Dogwood Dr Agency assist 400 Blk SW Whitestone Dr Welfare check PHQ Citizen contact 100 Blk NE Sunny Ln Disturbance 1600 Blk NW Nolan Dr Disturbance 1300 Blk NW Ashley Ln Disturbance 800 Blk NE San Karr Dr Disturbance 700 NW Scenic Dr Stolen vehicle January 22, 2023 200 Blk NW Sni-A-Bar Pkwy Disturbance 700 Blk N Main St Citizen contact 900 Blk W Ryan Rd K9 use at school NW Jefferson/NW Pamela Blvd Motor vehicle accident 200 Blk NE Hanna Court Citizen contact RD Mize Rd & NW Golfview Search for armed suspect PHQ Citizen contact PHQ Harassment NE McQuerry Rd & NE Sunny Ln Disturbance January 23, 2023 PHQ Citizen contact Main St & 70 Welfare check BB & E Duncan Motor vehicle accident 700 Blk Main St Public service 700 Blk Main St Public service 600 Blk SW Tisha Ln Noise complaint 600 Blk NW Yennie Ave Suspicious person PHQ Stealing 1100 Blk SW Ephraim Dr Parking complaint PHQ Citizen contact 700 Blk SW Woodland Cir Dogs at large PHQ Motor vehicle accident EB 40 W & city limits Agency assist January 24, 2023 PHQ Citizen contact NW Jefferson/Tyler Rd Motor vehicle accident PHQ Citizen contact 1600 Blk NW Hedgewood Dr Citizen contact PHQ Fingerprints PHQ Citizen contact PHQ Citizen contact In a January 23rd press release, the City of Grain Valley announced it has filed suit in Jackson County Circuit Court against the Jackson County Election Board (JCEB) "in an attempt to ensure that residents of Grain Valley are fairly represented in the general election to be held on April 4, 2023."
According to the City's release, the suit is asking for the JCEB to be required to use the district ward boundaries that were updated and approved by the Board of Aldermen on October 24, 2022. As previously reported, the Board of Aldermen adjusted ward boundaries to account for population changes identified in the most recent census. (October 24, 2022 Board recap) According to the City, the approved ordinance was sent to the Jackson County Election Board on November 14, 2022. The City's release states they received pushback from JCEB and were told that the new boundaries would not be used in the April 4, 2023 election even though the new boundaries were now current law in Grain Valley. In the release, the City explained its decision to file suit. "The decision to file this suit was not taken lightly. However, it was deemed necessary by the Board of Aldermen to take action after attempts to work together with the JCEB to complete the process were denied. The most important aspect is ensuring that all residents have an equal influence on the April general election, and we believe this is a necessary step for that to occur. We look forward to resolving this matter as quickly as possible so both entities can go about their work for the public." According to the court filing, a response from JCEB is to be filed by February 8th; a hearing is scheduled for February 17th at 3:00pm. Judge Marco Roldan has been assigned the case. The Jackson County Election Board has been contacted for comment, and updates will be provided as new information is made available. by Michael Smith Grain Valley veteran girls basketball coach Randy Draper stared intently at the court. Arms crossed, lips pressed together and sitting in a chair, Draper was likely trying to find a way to make his team even better. This was about 6 minutes before the end of Grain Valley’s non-conference matchup with Kearney. It wasn’t time to celebrate, at least it wasn’t at the time even with the Eagles leading by 20-plus points throughout the fourth period. After Grain Valley came away with a 47-23 win as the final buzzer sounded, Draper’s players surrounded him and applauded and cheered for their leader as the public address announcer stated that he won his 500th career game as a coach. It was a milestone not many coaches achieve. But Draper, a pillar of the community, added another highlight to his legendary coaching career. “I told them it’s a great honor,” Draper said of his conversation with his team. “My job is to maximize every team and get this team to maximize its potential. We have some work to do, but I love this team. They enjoyed it and I am glad about that. “Five hundred seems like a lot when I just say it. I just tried to maximize my teams then one day you have 500 (wins).” After the announcement Draper was presented with a basketball signed by his players. He also received some yellow notepads, a six-pack of Diet Mountain Dew and some Reese’s peanut butter cups. “They got all the hits,” Draper said of the goods he received from his team. “The yellow legal pads and the Diet Mountain Dew, they hit all the hotspots for me.” Some players then snuck behind him as senior Grace Slaughter, Ella Clyman and Cameryn Bown dumped a Gatorade cooler full of blue and white confetti on Draper as he bent over and pumped his fist halfway through. Draper then posed for a photo with his players and the Grain Valley cheerleaders held a banner behind him and the players that had a photo of a road and some trees. It read, “THE DRAPER 500.” Draper began as a boys basketball coach in Madison, Missouri. After one year at Madison, he returned to the University of Missouri to serve as a graduate assistant with the University of Missouri men’s basketball team. He spent seven years at Camdenton before coming to Grain Valley where he spent the last 22 years of his career. His first win came against Higbee High School. He is now in his 22nd season in Grain Valley and 30th overall as a head coach. “Both towns were out in force,” Draper said chuckling, while describing the game where he got his first win. It was also a special moment for three of his athletes as the game also served as Senior Night for Slaughter, Clyman and Bown. They were ecstatic to see their head coach accomplish such a special feat. “We’re all so happy for him and I am happy to be a part of that,” Clyman said. “To see him get his 500th win was cool. I remember going to the games as a kid and watching his teams play. Now I am playing for him.” Added Slaughter: “Draper does more than you can imagine for this team. From watching film and watching other players and trying to help us become better basketball players and better people. To witness this moment is so special and amazing.” Draper has built a reputation and a players’ coach as he has made many friendships and close relationships as evidenced by some of his former players attending the contest. “We know he cares about all of us as a person,” Clyman said. “He’s an amazing coach but he takes time to get to know us as a person.” Meanwhile, it was also a special game for three of Draper’s athletes as it was Senior Night for Slaughter, Bown and Clyman. Slaughter led all scorers with 21 points and Clyman had four. Bown led a pesky Grain Valley defense that made things difficult on the perimeter players for Kearney. Grain Valley led 9-8 after one period and went into halftime up 23-10. The Eagles entered the fourth up 36-14 and cruised the rest of the way. Boys GRAIN VALLEY 69, KEARNEY 51: In the first game of the boys-girls doubleheader, the Grain Valley boys basketball team got its fifth win a row as they cruised to a victory over the Bulldogs. Kearney led 19-15 after the first quarter but a big second quarter saw the Eagles come back and lead 34-25 at halftime. The Eagles (11-5) increased the lead 54-40 going into the fourth and closed it out. Freshman Eli Herbert led Grain Valley with 26 points, including five 3-pointers. Junior Logan Marcum added 14 and senior Rhylan Alcanter chipped in with 11. Grain Valley girls basketball coach Randy Draper, with basketball, and his players celebrate his 500th career win as a head coach following a 47-23 win over Kearney Friday at home. Photo credit: Michael Smith Grain Valley head coach Randy Draper pumps his fist as his players dump confetti on him. Photo credit: Michael Smith Grain Valley senior Grace Slaughter dribbles the ball up court. Photo credit: Michael Smith Grain Valley senior Ella Clyman goes up for a layup. Photo credit: Michael Smith
The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen will consider adding a 3% sales tax on recreational marijuana sales to the April 2023 ballot at its January 23rd meeting. The Board will consider the ordinance's first and second read on January 23rd. If approved, the tax will be imposed on retail sales of adult use marijuana sold in the City of Grain Valley.
The Jackson County Legislature is also in the process of perfecting language for their own ballot measure to add a county-wide 3% retail sales tax of adult-use, non-medicinal marijuana. Neighboring cities are following suit with their own ballot measures. As of January 17th, Kansas City, Grandview, Raytown, Sugar Creek, and Lake Lotawana have already approved ballot language. Blue Springs, Independence, and Lee's Summit have language under consideration. Voters head to the polls April 4th. For information on voter registration and voter information in Jackson County, visit Jackson County Missouri Election Board (jcebmo.org). Metropolitan Community College, Kansas City, has announced the Dean's List for the Fall 2022 semester. The 2,887 students who received Dean's List recognition earned a grade-point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher while being enrolled in six or more credit hours.
Gabby Marie Aber Hannah Gail Alexander Oakley Dale Barham Triston Scott Barnett James W Bassett Alexander Martin Brooks Isaac D Burd Amanda Capek Jessica Lynn Clarkson Carter Michael Compton Kade T. Compton Brittani Dangelo Morgan C Darling Cole Matthew Doolin Annalynn Jean Earley Erika L Evans Emily Alena Everhart Makenna Michelle Ferman Dominic M Ferrante Clare Marie Fleischmann JingJing Gao Vanessa Jacqueline Gonzalez Abie Groes Justin Ross Groover Ian Joseph Hawks Shelby Elise Henry Tanner Tanner Heuser Jillian Claire Hight Keely Ryann Hill Kaylyn Huff Ean Riley Jarvis Madelyn Jones Walker Kenyon Emily Lorraine Knowles Taylor Nicole Lackey Gracie Lauren Malicoat Jaden Cameron Mason Katelyn M Mitchell Kyra Frances Maria Mueller Hannah Elaine Newberry Emma C Oerly Mary B Phipps Carlos Portillo Barahona Kira Marie Potter Teran Michelle Potter Megan Elizabeth Prier Nikolas Shae Rowland Rebecca Rubak Alexandra V Salinas Abby Mae Schinstock Micah A Siems Micah A Siems Angela G. Strandburg Justin Andrew Strickland Alaina Valverde Dylan Joseph Welch by Michael Smith It was a Senior Night to remember for the Grain Valley wrestling team. On the gym floor, were big letters and numbers that lit up that read “GVHS 2023.” There also was a blue blow up tunnel to help give the Eagles flashy entrances to their matches. It was an ideal setting for a senior class that includes Brock Smith, Dru Azcona, Tanner Barker, Andrew Czeschin and Tyler Groves as they have been the heart and soul of the team. They showed why in Wednesday’s dual against Suburban White Conference foe Belton at home. All five seniors picked up victories as the No. 6-ranked Eagles highlighted a 54-21 rout of the Pirates. “They all got good wins and they are good kids,” Grain Valley head coach Donald Horner said. “I am really going to miss them. I really appreciate them welcoming me into the community and believing in me. Today shows they are buying in and that speaks volumes to their character.” The wrestling the seniors did on the mat spoke volumes, as well. Smith reflected on his four years with the Grain Valley program after he jumped out to an 11-2 lead against Aidan Moody before using a head and arm to force his opponent’s shoulders to the mat for a pin in 2 minutes, 36 seconds. “It hasn’t really sunk in yet,” Smith said of it being one of the last times he will wrestle at home. “Today it is just another match. I enjoyed my four years at Grain Valley and I will miss it for sure.” Before he went through the tunnel, Smith was stretching the straps of his singlet at a rapid pace, getting hyped up for his match. “I was just trying to feel the crowd. It was a great crowd,” Smith said. “This is the most packed I have seen. I am grateful to have this on Senior Night.” Barker (165) shared similar sentiments as Smith for it being a “just another match” for him, even on Senior Night. He controlled his match from start to finish as he came away with a 9-5 victory against Quinten Attebury. During the bout, Barker used shot fakes to set up his single-leg takedowns and he perfectly timed his sprawls to evade shot attempts from his opponent. Against Attebury, Barker had a somewhat difficult time getting to his offense, however. “I can’t really do much when a kid is stalling,” Barker said. “I have to make him work and be the most dominant guy out there. I don’t like when someone is not working.” Azona, like Barker, had a tough match. The senior was facing one of the better wrestlers in the Kansas City area in the 132-pound weight class – Lane Cross. He made a second-period takedown and escape hold up, as he rode out Cross in the third to take a 3-0 decision. Groves (144) had a short Senior Night match as he hooked a cradle to pin Diego Suarez in 27 seconds. Andrew Czeschin (235) got a forfeit victory. Other Eagles to earn victories were Zac Bleess (113) by a 22-second pin; Gavin Parks (120) by forfeit; Aden Kinser (150) by pin in 1:43 and Landen Marriott (157) by pin in 2:57. GIRLS The Grain Valley girls wrestling team had just one win in a contested match as it fell 60-24 to Belton. Jayden Moehle was the lone Eagle to win a contested match as she pinned Emily Kilpatrick in the second period after trailing 5-0. “I tried to grab her head and leg and I tripped over my own feet,” Moehle said of the moment when Kilpatrick to the 5-0 lead. “I landed on my back but I kept moving and got off my back. “I got her down and got her into a chicken wing and got the pin.” Severeign Aumua (140), Mckenzie Davis (125) and Adalia Del Real (170) each won by forfeit for the Eagles. Grain Valley senior Tanner Barker makes a flashy entrance before winning his match 9-5 against Belton Quinten Attebury. Photo credit: Michael Smith Grain Valley senior Tyler Groves makes his way through the tunnel on his way to the mat. He pinned Belton's Diego Suarez in 27 seconds. Photo credit: Michael Smith Grain Valley senior Brock Smith gets his hand raised by the referee after getting a second-period pin against Belton's Aidan Moody. Photo credit: Michael Smith
by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Since I’ve been driving around the northern edge of Sni-A-Bar Township, I decided to research a bit more about the namesakes for other roads in the area. Most of them, like Little Road, (Valley News, Jan 5, 2023) only go for a short distance, probably to the house and farm of the people who lived there. I believe most got their names in the mid to late 1800s. It probably went something like this. “So, you are looking for old Will Holloway out north of Grain Valley. Take the Buckner Road north to Spring Branch Road (Truman). Turn east a couple of miles to the Murphy School Road. Go north towards the school about a half-mile to the first road going east. At the top of the hill, about four-tenths of a mile, is the St. Clair place. The family cemetery is near the road. You can’t miss it. Just over the hill you will see the Holloway place commence on the north side. Their homestead is nearer the bottom of the hill where the road curves back to the south and meets up with Spring Branch Road.” As years passed, all 1.3 miles of it became Holloway Road. William Holloway was born in Tennessee around 1815. I found no information about him until the 1860 US Census. By that time, he was married to a widow, Toletha Nowlin Payne (local names) and was living in Sni-A-Bar Township. Their post office was listed as Pink Hill. The 1870 US Census listed Napoleon as their post office. I’m guessing they did not move but the Civil War moved their post office. The Holloways had five children, two sons and three daughters. The oldest son, George William Holloway was the only one to remain in the area. George married Rosa Burnley (another local name). They had no children. By the 1910 US Census, George and Rosa were living on North Broadway in Oak Grove. He was a blacksmith, but by the 1920 and 1930 US Census, he was a carpenter and Rosa a housewife. William Holloway died in 1898 and his wife Rosa in 1906. They are buried along with their son James (1866-1885) at the Oakland Cemetery. We can only guess that the farm was sold at that time --but Holloway Road lives on. Tombstone for William, Letha, and James Holloway at the Oakland Cemetery.
Photo credit: Marcia Napier |
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