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by Dr. Tamra Reall, University of Missouri Extension There are yellow, orange, red ladybugs - are they all actually ladybugs? Yes, they are all part of the ladybug family! Ladybugs, also called ladybirds, belong to a big beetle family. Ladybugs are oval-shaped and can be yellow, orange, or red like what you have found. They can also be gray, black, brown, or even pink! Sometimes they have spots, but not always. So, if you see a little beetle with an oval body and different colors like yellow, orange, or red, it might just be a ladybug, even if it doesn’t have spots. Ladybugs come in lots of beautiful colors! Why can bugs and spiders live inside our house during winter, but there aren’t any insects outside in the cold? Think of our homes as cozy hideouts for insects and spiders during winter! Just like we find our houses warm and comfy, these critters seek refuge from the freezing cold outside. Those who come indoors may not be built to be active outside in the chilly temperatures, so they move inside where it's warm and there's food. Our homes offer refuge for them to stay snug until it gets warmer outside. You might be happy to know that not all arthropods can survive the winter indoors because our homes are usually too dry for them. Common arthropods that come inside are nonnative ladybugs, stink bugs, or spiders. If you find them indoors, you can gently scoop them up and release them back outside. Or you can use a vacuum. But watch out—some insects, like stink bugs, can give off a funky smell if vacuumed up! Also, after cleaning, remember to empty the vacuum and take out the trash to keep these uninvited guests from returning! How do insects survive when it gets so cold or warm in the same week? Insects are experts at handling changing weather. As fall and winter arrive, some insects enter a dormant stage called diapause, almost like hibernation, to prepare to survive harsh conditions. Many insects rely on light to let them know what season we are in, rather than the temperature because it can change so much during our winters. So, even if it warms up for a day or two, they will stay in their dormant stage. Other insects can adjust to the changing temperatures and emerge or become active as the weather is favorable. Still, others do not survive when it gets cold enough, so they die off for the winter. Then, either their offspring emerge in the spring, or others of their species migrate here from southern climates as the weather warms up here. Insect abilities to change behaviors, life stages, and even body functions help them handle changing weather without skipping a beat. How does climate change affect bugs? Climate change affects insects in some big ways. Because of their short lifespans, many insects are super adaptable, but even they struggle when things get too out of whack. With the changing weather patterns, insects might have to move around more to find food and the right conditions to live in. Unfortunately, some insects can end up causing problems by moving into new places where they shouldn't be, like invasive pests crashing in where they don't belong and eating plants we don’t want them to eat. Brown marmorated stink bugs and Japanese beetles are examples of invasive pests. You know how some insects and plants work together, such as bees and butterflies that pollinate flowers that create fruit? Well, the changing climate can affect that, too. Pollinators and their favorite flowers might not sync up like they used to, meaning flowers might bloom before the bees or butterflies have emerged to pollinate them. It's like they're playing different tunes in a band and it gets confusing! This is a big issue, and it will take a lot of cooperation between governments, corporations, and organizations. However, we can help! Planting more flowers is awesome because it gives pollinators more food and we get more beautiful flowers. Using IPM (that's Integrated Pest Management, a fancy term for controlling pest insects without using too many chemicals) is very helpful too for the survival of beneficial predators who capture pests, so we don’t have to. Turning off lights at night is good because it helps insects that rely on the stars, moon, or Milky Way at night to navigate. So, creating more bug-friendly places for insects to live is a win-win. We can make a difference by helping our arthropod friends adapt to a changing world! What's something strange about insects? One incredibly unusual thing about insects is their diversity in communication. While many insects use sounds to communicate, some have really unique methods. For instance, treehoppers communicate by vibrating stems, honey bees dance to tell their sisters where to find the best nectar and pollen, and fireflies use light to attract mates. Also, many insects use pheromones, which are like special perfumes, to signal danger, attract partners, or create trails to find food and their way home. Their communication methods are exceptionally diverse and fascinating, showing just how creative nature can be! Do you have questions for Dr. Bug? Send them to https://bit.ly/KidsAskDrBug To help me learn what you learn from this column, or to share feedback, please consider filling out this survey: https://bit.ly/KidsAskDrBugSurvey Did you know that there is a Kids Ask Dr. Bug video series? Check it out! https://bit.ly/KADBvideos  by Cathy Bylinowski, M.S. Horticulture, Horticulture Instructor University of Missouri Extension- Jackson County, MO For decades, the USDA plant hardiness zone map has been the "gold standard" for gardeners and other growers wanting to know if a perennial plant (herbaceous or woody) will survive the cold temperatures of a typical winter in their area. Additionally, scientists incorporate the plant hardiness zones as a data layer in many research models, such as those predicting the spread of exotic weeds and insects. Recently, the USDA unveiled a revised version of the map, updating the 2012 edition of the document. The new map was jointly developed by the USDA's Agricultural Research Service and PRISM, a highly sophisticated climate mapping technology developed at Oregon State University. The revised version of the map is more accurate and contains greater detail than prior versions. As a U.S. Government publication, the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map as a graphic is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Map graphics may be freely reproduced and redistributed. Available online at https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/, the 2023 map is based on 30-year averages of the lowest annual winter temperatures at specific locations. It is divided into 10-degree Fahrenheit zones and further divided into 5-degree Fahrenheit half-zones. The 2023 map incorporates data from 13,412 weather stations compared to the 7,983 that were used for the 2012 map. Plant hardiness zone designations represent what is known as the "average annual extreme minimum temperature" at a given location during a particular time period. In the case of the 2023 map just released, that period was 30 years. The annual extreme minimum temperature represents the coldest night of the year, which can be highly variable from year to year, depending on local weather patterns. In other words, the hardiness designations do not reflect the coldest temperature ever recorded at a specific location, but simply the average lowest winter temperature for the location over a specified time. Low winter temperature greatly influences the ability of a perennial plant to survive in a particular area. Like the 2012 map, the 2023 version has 13 hardiness zones across the United States and its territories. Each zone is broken into half zones, designated as "a" and "b." For example, zone 6 (which includes most of Missouri) is divided into half-zones 6a and 6b. When compared to the 2012 map, the 2023 version reveals that about half of the country shifted to the next warmer half zone, and the other half of the country remained in the same half zone. That shift to the next warmer half zone means those areas warmed somewhere in the range of 0-5 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some locations experienced warming in the range of 0-5 degrees Fahrenheit without moving to another half zone. Once a draft of the map was completed, it was reviewed by a team of climatologists, agricultural meteorologists, and horticultural experts. If the zone for an area appeared anomalous to these expert reviewers, experts doublechecked the draft maps for errors or biases. These national differences in zonal boundaries are mostly a result of incorporating temperature data from a more recent time period. However, temperature updates to plant hardiness zones are not necessarily reflective of global climate change because of the highly variable nature of the extreme minimum temperature of the year. Additionally, some changes in zonal boundaries are also the result of using increasingly sophisticated mapping methods and the inclusion of data from more weather stations. Consequently, map developers involved in the project cautioned against attributing temperature updates made to some zones as reliable and accurate indicators of global climate change. The latter usually is based on trends in overall average temperatures recorded over long time periods. In addition to the map updates, the Plant Hardiness Zone Map website was expanded in 2023 to include a "Tips for Growers" section, which provides information about USDA research programs of interest to gardeners and others who grow and develop new varieties of plants. For more information about MU Extension Horticulture Programs in Jackson County, contact Horticulture Instructor Cathy Bylinowski, [email protected].  Open enrollment is the first education bill considered this year by Missouri Houseby Annelise Hanshaw, Missouri Independent A proposal to allow Missouri’s public school districts to open their boundaries is back this legislative session as the first education bill to get a hearing in the state House. The House Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education opened its first hearing of the year by considering Sedalia Republican Rep. Brad Pollitt’s open enrollment bill. “This bill allows the 899,000 students in the state of Missouri in the public school system the opportunity to have choice within the very system that their parents pay taxes to,” Pollitt told committee members. He told The Independent at the close of last year’s session that there was a plan in place to pass his bill through the Senate, latching it to state Rep. Ed Lewis’s bill on teacher recruitment and retention. But in a fit of filibusters in the session’s closing days, the bills never made it to the full Senate for debate. Pollitt wrote what he calls a “compromise” into the bill, capping the number of transfers annually at 1% of the student population in districts with a high number of free-and-reduced-lunch students. He thought this would help it pass the Senate, but he told the committee on Wednesday that policy leaders in the Republican caucus recommended removing the provision. Otto Fajen, lobbyist for the Missouri branch of the teachers union National Education Association, said removing the compromise language caused him to oppose the bill. Otherwise, the association would have a more neutral stance. “Because the committee is now poised to remove any protection against resegregation… you need to be thoughtful about that,” Fajen said. “You need to have some kind of break if you start to see things going in the wrong direction.”
Some lawmakers last year voiced concerns that the bill would resegregate schools if minority students stayed in their home districts while others left. Rep. Paula Brown, a Democrat from Hazelwood, repeated this concern Wednesday. “Do you worry that we could face another desegregation plan from the feds at all with any of this?” she asked. “I can’t look into a crystal ball and say that only non-minority students would leave the district,” Pollitt responded. The bill has a 3% limit on the proportion of students that can leave a school district annually. Some are worried the limit isn’t enough protection for school districts. Mike Lodewegen, lobbyist for the Missouri Council of School Administrators, said the students and teachers that are left in a district after some leave “have to deal with the ramifications.” The district will want to make cuts when the state funding leaves, he said, but the students leaving will likely be spread across grade levels. “Now you’re looking at cutting programs and options available to students,” Lodewegen said. When students enroll in a neighboring district, according to the bill, state aid — but not local aid — will follow them. It also calls for a $80 million fund to reimburse transportation costs for students that qualify as free and reduced lunch or enrolled in special education. Pollitt said the $80 million was based on the number of students he anticipates will participate in enrollment, looking at surrounding states’ open-enrollment programs. The number of special education students participating in this program may be stifled by a provision that says school districts are not required to add staff or programs if they opt into open enrollment. Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Columbia Democrat, asked if that would be akin to discrimination based on disability. Pollitt said he wrote this provision based on a case out of Wisconsin where a court ruled school districts didn’t have to add staff for its open-enrollment program. He asked superintendents during his travels around the state about this provision, inquiring whether it should be mandatory to accept students in special education. “Absolutely not,” he said he was told. “Because we know in this state that our special ed teachers have their case votes that are already full.“ The bill passed the House last session in a 85-69 vote. GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
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MDC offering free trapshooting and ammunition handloading classes during January in the KC area1/11/2024
by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation Learn how to reload brass cartridges and go trap shooting with upcoming free classes offered by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Materials are provided for the ammunition handloading classes on Jan. 13 at MDC’s Lake City Shooting Range near Blue Springs and on Jan. 23 at the Parma Woods Shooting Range at Parkville. A trap shooting class will be offered Jan. 20 at the Lake City Shooting Range.
MDC connects people with nature during winter with programs held both outdoors and indoors, plus conservation areas are open for hikes, fishing, and hunting. To learn more, visit https://mdc.mo.gov.  The following information is derived from Grain Valley Police Department daily calls service log for the week of January 3-9, 2024. January 3, 2024 600 Blk SW Tisha Ln Verbal Disturbance 700 Blk SW Cross Creek Dr Past Disturbance 600 Blk SW Creek Ridge Dr Alarm 200 Blk SW Eagles Pkwy Disturbance 300 Front St Disturbance PHQ Citizen contact 1600 Blk SW Eagles Pkwy Stealing January 4, 2024 200 Blk Walnut Report follow up 600 Blk NW Walnut Agency assist 1200 Blk Phelps Harassment 700 Blk NW Scenic Agency assist 900 Blk NW Scenic Dr Agency assist PHQ Citizen contact January 5, 2024 700 Blk Main St Alarm 1200 Blk Eagle Ridge Dr Civil standby PHQ Citizen contact 1100 Blk S Buckner Tarsney Rd Welfare check PHQ Citizen contact PHQ Citizen contact PHQ Public service BB/Rust Rd Motor vehicle accident 200 Blk Eagles Pkwy Suspicious vehicle 700 Blk Main St Stealing 600 Blk SW Lakeview Agency assist January 6, 2024 900 Blk NW Hawthorn Ct Residence check 1200 Blk NW Scenic Citizen assist PHQ Citizen contact 200 Blk Jefferson Stealing PHQ Citizen contact NB Main St Area check PHQ Citizen contact 400 Blk S Outer Rd Assault 800 Blk NW Valley Woods Dr Civil standby 300 Blk SW Eagles Pkwy Disturbance January 7, 2024 600 Blk SW Creek Ridge De Alarm 100 Blk S Buckner Tarsney Rd Stealing 400 Blk White Stone Dr Stolen vehicle PHQ Citizen contact 1800 Blk Madi Ct Suspicious activity 200 Blk NW Michael Dr Noise complaint 1600 Blk NW Nicholas Dr Stealing 200 Blk James Rollo Alarm January 8, 2024 1200 Blk NW Phelps Dr Parking complaint 1300 Blk NW High View Dr Parking issue 200 Blk SW Blue Branch Cir Stealing PHQ Citizen contact 700 Blk Main St Homeless person on property January 9, 2024 Minter Rd/AA Hwy Motor vehicle accident 500 Blk Broadway Civil standby Barr/RD Mize Rd Motor vehicle accident Additional calls for service: Suicidal Subject: 2 Domestic Violence: 1 Order of Protection: 1  by Michael Smith To say the Grain Valley wrestling team was dominant would be an understatement. The Eagles hosted Suburban White Conference foe Raytown Wednesday at home and won 10 out of 12 contested matches as they cruised to a 64-15 victory. Both Grain Valley’s experienced wrestlers and newcomers mostly had strong performances. Three of the Eagles returning state qualifiers all won their matches, including senior Justin Deweese (165 pounds), who pinned Roman Butler in just 13 seconds with a cradle. “I was just trying to get in and out real quick,” Deweese said. “That might be my fastest pin.” Returning state medalists, sophomore Zac Bleess (120) and Gavin Parks (126) also had dominant wins. Bleess used a chicken wing to roll over Atilano Madrid to get a pin in 1:04 and Parks used a cradle to win by fall against Josiah Smith. Grain Valley also had a pair of wrestlers with limited varsity experience get some big wins. Senior Camden Nelson (157) did not wrestle his junior year after competing at the junior varsity level as a sophomore. He’s returned to the team for the 2023-24 season and is beginning to make an impact for the Eagles. On Wednesday, he used the barbwire technique to pin Edgar Orozco in 57 seconds. “I came off a little quick and almost got a takedown,” Nelson said. “I slowed myself down and worked my moves and was able to get the win in the end,” Nelson said. “I pinned him with a barbed wire, which is one of my favorite moves. It puts them in a position where they can’t move at all.” Grain Valley junior Trenton Rock (132) bounced between varsity and junior varsity during the 2022-23 campaign, but is now a full-time varsity competitor. He got an impressive win against one of Raytown’s better wrestlers as he pinned Kaseem Bedford in 2:52. “I think I did well in neutral and I got that first shot off,” Rock said. “I started working on my double wrists and was able to turn him using that.” Other Eagles to get victories were senior Ethan Jones (138), who used a waist lock to control Kalem Williamson and get a pin in 43 seconds; junior Colston Parks (113), who used a power half to turn David Ayala for a fall in 1:39; freshman Sjoeren Aumua (144), who took a 10-0 major decision over Paul Wolken; senior Jace Worthington (190), who blocked a double underhook Supplex attempt from Sam Pilkington and countered it for a pin in 2:20; and junior Gavin Barker (215), who had a close match with Josiah Pilkington before getting a pin with four seconds left in regulation after being up 5-2. “He was more of a defensive wrestler, so I was working on my offense,” Barker said. “When I kept on trying to get to my single (leg takedown), he kept on wiggling out of it, so I had to bail on the shot. I should have just went with it and took him down but I ended up getting it at the end. I used a outside head shot to get the pin.” Girls Junior Mackenzie Davis took care of business in the only contested match on the girls side. Davis (125) overcame a 6-3 deficit due to a stalling call on her opponent, Ulalia Butler, and she got an escape and late takedown to earn a 7-6 decision, helping the Eagles take a 45-6 win as a team. Val Bleess (110), Keya Butler (130), Camary Schmalzbach (135), Sevi Aumua (140), Addison Cross (145), Adalia Del Real (155) and Jayden Moehle (235) all won by forfeit for Grain Valley.  Grain Valley sophomore Zac Bleess goes for a chicken wing from the top position against Atilano Madrid in Wednesday's Suburban White Conference dual against Raytown Wednesday at home. Grain Valley won the dual 64-15 and Bleess pinned Madrid in the first period. Photo credit: Michael Smith  Grain Valley junior Trenton Rock runs though the tunnel as fireworks and smoke shoot out at his sides. Rock pinned his opponent, Kaseem Bedford, in the second period.
Photo credit: Michael Smith The Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce will open nominations for its new Heart of Grain Valley Awards program on January 9th in advance of an awards dinner on February 24, 2024 at the Grain Valley Community Center. Residents are invited to nominate businesses and individuals in any of the following six categories: Business Person of the Year This award recognizes someone who has been in business in Grain Valley for more than two years and has set the standard of accomplishment in both business and the community. The have shown leadership, vision, and a commitment to the betterment of their business, employees, community, local economy. Business of the Year This award recognizes a business that contributes to the economic growth and quality of life in Grain Valley and whose practices and professional conduct contribute to a sense of cooperation within the entire business community. Some of the specific criteria that could be considered for this award include: a successful marketing or business strategy; growth; community involvement; exceptional customer service. Emerging Business of the Year This award recognizes a business that has opened in the last 24 months. The business has filled a niche and operates in a community minded way that is in the spirit of Grain Valley. Nonprofit/Community Organization of the Year This award recognizes a nonprofit organization or community organization that contributes to the quality of life in Grain Valley through their service to the community. Volunteer of the Year An award celebrating an individual who is dedicated to enhancing our community by volunteering their time and energy to serving the public good. Unsung Hero This award honors an individual whose quiet contributions, either through their work or service to the community as a volunteer, deserve celebration. Nominations for each category will be open to the public on January 9th. A committee will select honorees from the top three nominees in each category and announced the evening of the event. The top three nominees in each category will be featured during the event. For more information, visit Heart of Grain Valley (growgrainvalley.org). Candidate filing has closed for the April 2024 election, with contested elections for both City of Grain Valley and Board of Education seats. Four candidates have filed for two open seats on the Grain Valley Board of Education. Current board members Jared English and Eddie Saffell have filed for re-election. Aaron Scully and Paul Trusler have also filed. Mayor Mike Todd has filed for re-election, with current alderman Dale Arnold filing to challenge Todd for the position of mayor. In Ward I, former mayor Chuck Johnston has filed for the seat currently occupied by Arnold. Kyle Sole has also filed to run for the Ward I seat. In Ward II, current alderman Rick Knox will run unopposed, as will current Ward III alderman Ryan Skinner. The municipal election will be held April 2, 2024. The deadline to register to vote in the April election is March 6, 2024. For more information on registering to vote, visit Registration | Jackson County Missouri Election Board (jcebmo.org).  by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Built in the mid 1920s, the Loring Home is one of the oldest structures still standing in Grain Valley. It is located in what was the original town with the legal description being E ½ lots 33 & 34 Block 2 all vac 2nd Street LY S & AD (whatever that means) To me, it is the “old Loring House behind the tattoo parlor." When the 4 ½ acres, given to the town by James Lucas, were platted in 1878, the owner was D. M. Majors. The land had five more owners before 1908 when Ed Storms purchased the property. The Recorder of Deeds office did not date when Mr. Storms sold the land to William H. Loring, however on June 7, 1916 he purchased lot 19 and lot 32 from Warren Webb Mercantile Co. I believe he also purchased Lots 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, & 38 from Mr. Storms on this same date. Mr. Loring, and his wife Ada, now owned all of the lots on the east edge of the original town. Lot 19, on the north side of the Chicago & Alton Railroad tracks became Loring Hardware. The store was purchased by Charles & Mildred Napier in 1949 and renamed Napier Hardware in 1956 (when the final payment was made on the mortgage). As for the home, the current realtor tells me it was built in 1923. William Loring was born in 1857 in Massachusetts. His wife was born in Vermont in 1859. They were married in 1882. By 1900, according to the United States Census, they were living in Kansas City and William worked as a grocer. The 1920 census list their address as Broadway Street in Grain Valley. There are many references to our current Main Street being called Broadway in the late teens and early 1920’s. I’m guessing they probably received their mail at their hardware store on Broadway. I have been unable to find any record of the William and Ada Loring ever having any children or other family in Missouri. Mr. Loring died in 1930. Mrs. Loring ran the hardware store with the help of Abner Haynes until her death in 1942. They are buried in the Grain Valley Cemetery on Seymour Road, north of Grain Valley.  Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society 
As we transition into the New Year, many of us embark on a journey of self-improvement and set resolutions aimed at achieving a healthier lifestyle. New Year's resolutions are an opportunity for personal growth. Hy-Vee dietitians are here to help guide you in forming new habits and staying on track with your health and wellness resolutions this New Year. Whether you are focusing on dietary changes, implementing exercise, or just overall well-being, our team is dedicated to supporting you throughout your journey toward a healthier, happier you! With expert advice and personalized guidance, I aim to make your resolutions a seamless part of your lifestyle, ensuring that the positive changes you implement become long-lasting habits. As you get started this New Year I want to share a few of my top tips when it comes to setting your goals and managing your resolutions.
I am here to help you navigate those New Year’s resolutions. Whether we meet in person or virtually, we can find the best solution to help you achieve your goals! To get started I recommend scheduling a Discovery Session. During this complimentary session we can discuss your health and wellness goals and I will walk you through available services designed to help you meet those goals. Or if you already know that increasing your physical activity is your game plan this New Year, I recommend signing up for our Move More Challenge. During this 4-week challenge we will help motivate you to be active with weekly tips and movement inspiration. Each week you will track if you met the goal of 150 minutes of intentional movement. Complete the challenge for a chance to win incredible prizes! I want to thank our sponsors — Chosen Foods Avocado Oil and Perfect Snacks. Find out more about our Move More Challenge or get started with Hy-Vee dietitian services by scheduling your complimentary Discovery Session today. Simply head to https://www.hy-vee.com/healthnew/dietitians. We look forward to connecting with you this New Year! The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice. 
The New Year is here and I'm sure most of you have already decided on your resolutions. A fresh start is what many of you are looking for in 2024, so when you resolve to make positive changes to your personal life, take a moment to make some resolutions for your digital life as well. Just like good personal habits help you live a longer and fuller life, good tech habits help your technology last longer and prevent you from falling victim to many of the scams out there that threaten your tech devices and your data. There are so many habits you should pick up when it comes to using your technology. Here are some important ones you need to use in the coming year. Get on Board with AI. Generative tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney took over the tech space in 2023 and their popularity will increase in 2024. These tools are essential replacements for standard web searches like Google allowing you to find information in one search rather than scouring the Internet for information. This is helpful if you need ideas for starting a business to helping your kids with homework. They also allow you to create websites, and PowerPoint slides and get help for anything home and work-related. Get started by downloading the ChatGPT app and use it rather than Google and watch your digital life transform. Build Your Human Firewall. Cybercrime is a human problem. Every device you own such as your smartphone, computer, and other gadgets is safe from hacks, however, if you accidentally click on a link in an email or text message, all of your systems can get compromised. By doing things like using 2-factor authentication for all of your online accounts, using a password manager, rather than trying to remember all of your online account credentials, and using passphrases rather than passwords, criminals will never get access to your devices. Sign up for a Technology Services Plan. In this day and age, technology is always changing which can make your digital lifestyle complicated. To ease that technology stress and confusion, you should sign up for a managed services plan for your home or business. Most tech support services plans can monitor all of your devices to give you a heads up if you have a device failing and they can provide 24/7 phone and remote tech support to help you solve problems with your smart home, smart TV, and any other device in your home and office. Configure Your Devices to Automatically Backup to a Cloud Storage Service. You can easily replace your computers, smartphones, and tablets. Your data, such as baby's first photos, wedding pictures, and holiday videos, can't be replaced when lost. Even if there was a chance to reclaim those old files it could cost thousands if you let us at Integral attempt to retrieve them from you. External hard drives can be used for backup, but most of you won't remember to plug them into your devices to have them back up. Resolve this year to have your devices automatically back up that information to the cloud. Unfortunately, there are no free services that allow you to do this, but most backup services average around $70 a year which is a small price to pay for the peace of mind knowing your files are safe and secure. Not sure what to use? Windows and Macintosh Computers: Carbonite (www.carbonite.com) will automatically backup your items to the cloud and keep older files for up to 30 days. iPhones and iPad: iCloud. (www.icloud.com) Apple starts you off with a small amount of storage for your tech devices, but for a small monthly fee, you can increase that storage to backup all of your important files on your iPhone, iPad and even your iMac and Macbook. Android Phones and Tablets: Google Drive. (www.google.com) Google follows the same model as Apple by giving you a free amount of storage space, but for a small monthly fee you can have all of your Android devices and your Windows and Apple computers backed up to the cloud. Use a Password Manager to Store Those Passwords. Hopefully, you're using different passwords for all of your online accounts. If you're not, you're risking identity theft and having your online accounts compromised. Cybercriminals are using a method called Credential Stuffing to get access to your information. With all of the data breaches that have occurred over the years, the is a good chance your user information is sitting on the dark web. Once your information is obtained, a criminal just needs to use your credentials to log in. Making sure you have a different password for each of your online accounts is a great deterrent. Keeping track of all of those passwords is the challenge, which is why a password manager is a good tool for you to use. Not the most secure method, but storing those passwords in your favorite browser is better than using the same passwords for your accounts. Edge, Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera all offer an option to store your passwords. If you want a little more security, use LastPass (www.lastpass.com) or DashLane (www.dashlane) to store those passwords. Have a Good Balance between Screen Time and Real Life. Technology has been a great tool during the pandemic allowing us to stay in contact with family and friends, but if you've seen "The Social Dilemma" on Netflix, you know technology is designed to keep you addicted and plugged. It's even worse for younger members of your family with social media creating a host of mental and physical ailments. iPhone users can take advantage of Apple's Screen Time to track and control their smartphone use. Android users can use Digital Wellbeing to set limits on the time you spend on your devices. It helps if you block or unfriend negative people on your social media accounts. Also, set certain areas in your home as 'no tech' zones to help curb the amount of time you spend staring at your devices. Implement a Disaster Recovery Plan Whether it’s a power outage, natural disaster, or cyberattack, numerous unexpected events can take your business offline. The most important thing in these instances is to have a plan to get back up and running as soon as possible. A good disaster recovery plan will help you feel prepared and calm when things go awry. Add a Little 'Green' to Your Tech. One of the great things about technology is all of the environmentally friendly tech that is available. Focusing on 'green' tech can help your home and office finances. The first thing you should do is replace your standard light bulbs with LED bulbs. LED bulbs can save you up to $6 a year. A small amount when you think of one bulb, but think about how many bulbs you have in your home or office. If you haven't already, you should also invest in smart home hubs like Amazon and Google that can control items like thermostats, locks, garage doors, and other items to help monitor your home and office devices to help with your energy savings. Some utility companies will provide them to you, but once you have one in your home or office, you can program a schedule to make sure there is no waste when it comes to your utilities. Hopefully, this will give you some ideas of how you can keep and make technology resolutions for your technology for the new year. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Looking for More Useful Tips Tips? My Tuesday Tech Tips Blog is released every Tuesday. If you like video tips, I live stream new episodes of 'Computer and Tech Tips for Non-Tech People' every Wednesday at 1:00 pm CST on Facebook,  Missouri opts into summer EBT federal food benefits programby Clara Bates, Missouri Independent Missouri has made the tentative decision to participate in a federal food assistance program for kids, potentially opening the door for millions of dollars in aid through a program called Summer EBT. However, the decision is not binding and Missouri still has to submit a detailed plan to the federal government on how it plans to run the program and secure the necessary administrative funds. The state had until Jan. 1 to take this initial step or foreclose the option to participate entirely. “We’ll still have some work to do to support (the Department of Social Services) in putting together all of the pieces needed to actually receive these critical funds,” said Mallory Rusch, executive director of the nonprofit Empower Missouri, which urged the state to submit the letter of intent. “Nonetheless, this is an important win.” SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST.
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The program, which is administered by the Department of Social Services in conjunction with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, would provide $40 in food benefits for each month an eligible child is on summer break, loaded onto a card that can be used like a debit card to purchase groceries. Students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch during the school year are eligible for Summer EBT. States have until Feb. 15 to submit a detailed management and administration plan to the federal government. Missouri officials wrote to the federal government in their letter of intent dated Dec. 21 that a “lack of final guidance” from the federal government regarding implementation of the program “poses potential unforeseen challenges to the implementation.” Additionally, Missouri’s ability to meet the state funding requirements is contingent on obtaining funds from the state’s General Assembly, the letter noted, and Whaley said the department would need to secure those funds “before we are able to proceed further.” The federal government will pay for the benefits but split the administrative cost 50/50 with the state. The social services department will be the lead agency on the Summer EBT program, working with the education department. At least 30 other states signed on, according to the Food and Nutrition Services site, the federal agency which administers the program. In some states, the program has spurred controversy. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds recently announced her state would not participate, saying “an EBT card does nothing to promote nutrition at a time when childhood obesity has become an epidemic.” Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen also decided his state wouldn’t participate, defended his opposition to the program by saying, “I don’t believe in welfare.” GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
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Last month, Missouri officials were weighing considerations including: “technology solutions and the timeline in which a system would be in production and complete,” along with the level of staffing assigned to EBT implementation and administrative funding, education department spokesperson Mallory McGowin then said. The Summer EBT program was approved and made permanent by Congress last year. A similar, temporary program called Pandemic EBT provided various benefits during the pandemic, including over the summers. The temporary pandemic-era food programs were beset with administrative issues in Missouri that made dispersing benefits difficult — particularly because it required a new data collection portal to collect and share eligible students’ information with two agencies in the state. The benefits designed to cover food costs during the summer of 2022 did not start going out until June 2023, and Missouri declined to participate in the summer 2023 program because of those issues — forgoing at least $40 million in aid. Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: [email protected]. Follow Missouri Independent on Facebook and Twitter.
The following information is derived from Grain Valley Police Department daily calls service log for the week of December 27, 2023 – January 3, 2024. December 27, 2023 700 Blk Main Agency Asist PHQ Citizen Contact PHQ Citizen Contact 1000 Blk Willow Alarm PHQ Citizen Contact 700 Blk SW Woodland Cir Civil Dispute 700 Blk SW Woodland Cir Harassment PHQ Civil Standby 700 Blk SW Woodland Cir Harassment PHQ Citizen Contact 1000 Blk NW Golfview Agency Asist 500 Main St Courtesy Ride Comfort Inn Verbal disturbance December 28, 2023 I-70 & MM 23 Agency assist 600 Blk SW Nelson Dr Disturbance 400 S Outer Rd Public service Eagles/40 Hwy Motor vehicle accident 700 Blk SW Montana Ridge Extra patrol 900 Blk NW Maplewood Cir Residence check 1300 Blk Valley Woods Ct Abandoned auto 700 Blk Woodland Citizen contact 1400 Blk Eagles Disturbance 800 Blk Brome Alarm 1000 Blk Valley Woods Ct Agency Assist December 29, 2023 PHQ Citizen contact SB Buckner Tarsney/Main Area Check 30000 Blk Ryan Rd Agency Assist 700 Blk NW Cappelle Area Check 1600 Eagles Stolen Property PHQ Public Service 700 Blk Meadow Dr Stolen Plate 700 Blk Buckner Tarsney Alarm 1000 Blk NW Lindenwood Dr Residence Check 800 Blk NW Poplar Ct Disturbance 700 Blk Capelle St Area Check 100 Blk W Harris Stolen Auto 300 Blk SW Eagles Pkwy Abandoned Auto 900 Blk SW Clover Stealing from Auto Woodbury/BB Hwy Welfare Check December 30, 2023 800 SW Harvest Dr Agency Assist Main/I-70 Area Check 1000 Blk NW Scenic Dr Verbal Disturbance 600 Blk SW Creek Ridge Dr Alarm 1000 Blk NW Helen Ct Citizen Contact 500 Blk Elizabeth Rd Noise Complaint 900 Blk NW Hickorywood Dr Disturbance 200 Blk Broadway Abandoned Auto December 31, 2023 200 Blk SW Eagles Pkwy Leaving the scene Price Chopper Suspicious vehicle 1000 Blk Montana Ridge Dr Motor Vehicle Accident January 1, 2024 BB/Duncan Public Service 300 Blk Eagles Pkwy Citizen Contact Nelson/Country Hill Dr Robbery 800 Blk NW Valleywoods Past Robbery PHQ Public Service Jefferson/Eagles Ridge Area Check 1000 Blk NW Persimmon Dr Verbal Disturbance PHQ Recovered Stolen Vehicle 500 BlkMinter Rd Citizen Contact 700 Blk Willow Area Check January 2, 2024 PHQ Citizen contact 800 Blk SW Harvest Welfare check PHQ Public service 1000 Blk SW Baytree Dr Assault 100 Blk Sunny Ln Verbal disturbance 200 Blk NE Kim Ct Verbal disturbance 700 Blk Foxtail Dr Residence check PHQ Citizen contact 900 Blk NW Hickory Woods Dr Harassment 1000 Blk NW Bay Tree Dr Physical disturbance Ooida/40 Hwy Area check 200 Blk NE Jefferson Leaving the scene 600 Blk Kirby Stealing PHQ Followup 200 Blk NW Jefferson Citizen contact Mary Ct Parking complaint 300 Blk SW Creek Ridge Physical disturbance Additional calls for service: Suicidal Subject: 3 Order of Protection: 1 CIT/Mental Health Welfare Check: 3 A Grain Valley man faces felony charges for the fatal Christmas Day shooting of another man inside a Grain Valley residence, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced December 27th. Franklin Ray Eason faces Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges. According to court records, Grain Valley police officers were dispatched on Dec. 25, 2023, to SW Woodland Circle regarding a shooting. Officers found a victim inside a residence. He had suffered a fatal gunshot wound. Witnesses told police detectives that the victim came into the room with a handgun but put the firearm down on a table. The defendant picked it up and shot the victim, a witness told police. The Missouri Highway Patrol processed the crime scene. The defendant is in custody on a $100,000 bond. Charging documents: Microsoft Word - 2. PROBABLE CAUSE-F. Eason.doc (jacksoncountyprosecutor.com)  Bolivar Technical College celebrated graduates on Saturday, December 16, 2023, including Allison Steward of Grain Valley. The RN to BSN Completion program at Bolivar Technical College consists of an online curriculum designed to take one year to complete. Once complete, graduates earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and pave the way for career advancement and additional patient care and education they can provide. The Class of 2023 BSN graduates include: Angela Amonett of Buffalo, Tiffany Bailey of Rogersville, Casey Keith of Dunnegan, Allison Steward of Grain Valley, Brianna West of Aldrich, Caitlyn Williams of Norman, OK, Jennifer Gary of Springfield, Charlene Hebeler of Lebanon, Tiffany Radford of Battlefield, and Brittany Slagle of Bolivar. Bolivar Technical College is a non-profit technical college serving southwest Missouri with a focus on education for students entering the healthcare industry. The college educates students through programs including online RN to BSN Completion, Professional Nursing (RN), Practical Nursing (LPN), RN Bridge (for LPNs and Paramedics) and CMT. |
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