Ward I Alderman Tom Cleaver, first elected in April 2019, is seeking re-election this April.
     Cleaver has lived in Grain Valley since 2005, and his two stepchildren graduated from Grain Valley Schools. Cleaver said his desire to work to aid business growth and improve the city's infrastructure was his reason for running for alderman and continues to be his goal as he looks toward another term.
     Cleaver points to QuikTrip, Starbucks, and Culvers on the north side of town and the recent grant to begin redevelopment efforts downtown as highlights of city development efforts over the past couple of years. "I feel like the city is moving in the right direction. We have great staff leadership at the city," Cleaver said.
     "We are a growing City, so it is important for the Board to continue to focus on the right growth in the City. And I think we are focused on that."
     Looking at challenges the city faces, Cleaver said budget constraints that affect the City's ability to remain competitive in terms of staff wages and benefits to recruit and retain talent, as well as continued work to maintain and improve City streets is top of the list.
     "I think we've done a good job the past couple of years in improving many of our side streets and working with MODOT to improve those they maintain."
     Housing developments, and the recent approvals of multi-family developments, has created some debate in Board meetings regarding the right mix of housing for the community.
     "Of course, single family housing is preferred, but we still need to offer, for a city of our size, apartment options for residents."
     When contentious issues arise among the Board, Cleaver said one of the keys as a leader is to ensure all voices are heard.
     "I think it's important to listen to everyone's opinion. Let's talk about it, meet in the middle if possible, and do what is best for residents."
     "I love our community and really love living here. I want to continue to see our city do well, be safe, and be a place for everyone to feel welcome."
     Valley News will profile each candidate on the ballot in the weeks leading up to the election, provide a voter guide, and plans a candidate forum in late March. To search for all election related articles, click on “Elections” under the categories on our News page. For voter registration information, visit www.jcebmo.org. 

Ward I Alderman Tom Cleaver is running for re-election. Photo credit: City of Grain Valley

by Michael Smith


      The Grain Valley girls swimming and diving team is having a breakthrough season.
     For the first time in program history, the Eagles have qualified for 11 out of 12 events for the Missouri State High School Girls Swimming and Diving Championships.
     They will send 13 competitors to the St. Peters Rec-Plex to compete in the Class 1 state competition, which will begin Friday.
     “It’s really exciting for these girls. I have freshmen on the team but they are experienced,” Grain Valley head coach Julie Reilly said. “I think my 400 free relay is all freshman girls and we are sitting in the top 12.
     “I definitely think we will have some girls finish in the top 16. I don’t know where, but I think we will have a couple. This is a very fast season of girls all around. I am really proud of these girls.”
     Senior Madison Rogers, who is seeded No. 2, will compete in the 1-meter diving event after taking first at the Class 4 District 1 diving event with a score of 408.40. She also was the Suburban White Conference champion.
     Before state, she has especially been putting in work on her forward 2 ½ dive.
     “I set my personal best,” Rogers said. “I feel pretty confident in getting top eight. I have really been working on the same dives and have been working on perfecting them so they can be as good as they possibly be at state.”
     Junior Jayme Whitley will be one of the Eagles competing in an individual event as she will compete in the 100 free. She had a qualifying time of 58.28 seconds during the season.
     “It definitely not my favorite event, but it’s the one I am best at,” Whitley said of the 100 free. “I just suck it up to do it.”
     Freshman Elizabeth Martin made a huge impact during the season, qualifying for the 500 free with a time of 5:40.19 and the 200 individual medley with a time of 2:22.15.
     “I have been swimming for seven years and making it to state has always been a goal for me,” Martin said. “I am excited to go there not only to compete in an individual event, but to support my teammates.
     “For the IM, I like to break down each section of the event and try to perfect each one before putting it all together. My breaststroke is not as good as my butterfly, but I try to maximize my effort in each stroke to get a personal best.”
     Other Eagles to qualify in individual events were Katelyn Epple (200 free), Kalli Beard (50 free and 100 butterfly) and Emily Holzworth (100 backstroke). The Eagles will also have relay teams in all three events.
     “I think it’s a great opportunity for all of us,” said Seena Tyler, who will compete in either the 200 or 400 free relay. “We have put the work in to improve.
     “We have dropped lots of time in all the relays. We are really excited to compete in the biggest meet of the year.”

     (StatePoint) So, you took the leap and signed up for a weight loss program. But once you got started, it was a whole different story. While you may feel like you’re doing everything to a T, the scale is stuck and you can’t figure out why. Plateaus are a normal part of any weight loss journey, but there are many reasons for them. Check out these six reasons why the scale may be stuck:

     1. Overeating. Weight loss is dependent on “calories in” being lower than “calories out.” Eating too much for your current activity level and weight could be a reason why the scale is stuck. “Meal delivery programs can help eliminate any guesswork,” says nutrition expert Chris Mohr, PhD, RD. 

     2. Not Keeping Track. Overeating, skipping meals and portion control can all be eased if you get more diligent with food tracking.

     Take it from the experts: According to research published in the journal “Obesity,” self-monitoring your diet is the number one predictor of weight loss success, and it takes less than 15 minutes each day.

     Try tracking your diet at least 80% of the time or at least five to six days of the week. Be sure to include all eating occasions (even nibbling), portion sizes and ingredients. This way, when the scale is stuck, you can evaluate where you may be overdoing it. 

      3. Skimping on Protein and Fiber. Try maximizing protein and fiber in your diet. “Protein helps preserve lean muscle mass while losing weight to help maintain metabolic rate. Also, protein and fiber keep you feeling full longer. What’s more, protein is more thermogenic than carbohydrates and fats -- meaning you’ll burn more calories digesting and absorbing high-protein foods. Fiber isn’t fully digested, so the calorie contribution from fiber is less than other carb sources,” adds Mohr.

     4. Increasing Muscle. If you’ve been hitting the gym and putting on muscle, you might also experience a stall on the scale. Find other measures of success in the meantime. For example, your jeans may be fitting better or you may have more energy. These non-scale victories are just as valuable as a number on the scale.

     5. Other Lifestyle Factors. Lack of sleep can disrupt weight loss. The National Sleep Foundation recommends sticking to a regular sleep schedule. Limit caffeine and screen-time in the hours before bed. The light emitted by screens on electronic devices reduce your body’s production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates your sleep and wake cycle, according to Harvard Health. You can also try a before bed exercise routine. 

     Did you know that chronic stress can halt weight loss? Address your stress with self-care. Try meditation, daily exercise and breathing techniques. You should also seek out a support system and engage in your community. Feeling overly stressed? Be sure to speak with your doctor.

     6. Illness or Injury. A recent illness or injury can cause increased inflammation that results in water retention. Additionally, injury or illness can decrease daily activity and overall calories burned. Some medications may also stall weight loss. Keep in mind that your overall health should always take precedence over the number on the scale. Consult your doctor. It may mean modifying your weight loss program temporarily. This setback is not the end of your journey though. Once you’ve recovered, you should be able to start where you left off, pending your doctor’s approval.

     “Ultimately, your goals should be realistic. Don’t expect the pounds to fall off instantly. Have patience and give yourself some grace. If you’re doing the work, that’s all that matters,” says Mohr.

     Following a public hearing to consider the renewal of a conditional use permit by Dennis Shrout to operate Valley Speedway at 348 E Old US Highway 40, the Board approved the renewal of a conditional use permit, extending the term of renewal to 10 years. 
     The Board approved a resolution to purchase upgraded service weapons for all police officers and a resolution to purchase new taser devices and supporting equipment. 
     The Board also approved resolutions to purchase four sets of bleachers for the Armstrong Park ball fields and to purchase replacement metal exterior doors at the Grain Valley Aquatic Center. 
     Under ordinances, the Board approved the second reading of a resolution to approve the voluntary annexation of property owned by Dale and Teresa Smith and The Road Church at 4112 and 4108 S Buckner Tarsney Road. Also approved was the second reading of an ordinance for the final development plan approval for Copper Creek, formerly known as The Lofts at Creekside Landing. The development will include four buildings that will contain 24 units in each building, three four-plexes, and one duplex, for a total of 110 units. 
     Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Davies reminded the Board of a public workshop on February 28th for the City's Comprehensive Plan and Parks Master Plan on Tuesday, February 28th from 6:30pm - 8:00pm at Sni-A-Bar Elementary School.
     The next meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be held at 7:00pm on Monday, February 27th at City Hall. 

     A few weeks ago, I began work on some articles that would explain the history behind the photographs in the 2023 Historical Society calendar. The criteria for selection of the photos is fairly simple; they should depict Grain Valley’s past - the businesses, the school, the churches, and the people. And, perhaps equally important, they must be of good photo quality. The photo below, while interesting, lacks several of these conditions.

by Cathy Bylinowski, M.S. Horticulture, Horticulture Instructor
University of Missouri Extension
 

     It might be hard to believe now, but the cold winter weather will be over in the weeks to come. It is time to start thinking about spring vegetable gardening!
     Begin the garden season with some planning. You can use the MU Extension Vegetable Planting Calendar to help guide you to success: https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6201
     This publication will help you know what to plant when and other helpful gardening planning information.
     If you want to start your own cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts transplants, now is the time to begin. These cold tolerant cole-crops (cabbage-related crops) take about 5-8 days to germinate when in a warm (75-77 degrees) conditions.
     As soon as they germinate, move the seedlings to a well- lit location. You will need a sunny south window, fluorescent lights set up on shelving units to create a bright propagation area, or a greenhouse. Seedlings that do not get enough light, get too tall and often fall over. They will not mature into plants that produce good crops.
     If you do not have adequate light to start your own transplants, you can wait and purchase cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower transplants at garden center stores soon. In Central Missouri, transplants for cole-crops can be planted outside in a sunny spot in the vegetable garden, from mid-March through mid to late April.
     If temperatures  below freezing are predicted, you can cover them with newspaper, sheets of plastic, even bed sheets overnight for protection. Or you can cover the plants with floating row cover that can be kept on the plants to help keep insect pests out. Floating row cover is a spun polyester fabric that lets light and rain in and creates a microclimate underneath next to the soil that is several degrees warmer than the outside temperatures.
     When the snow and ice melts, and garden soil is moist and crumbly, you can direct-sow cold tolerant crops such as arugula, lettuce, radishes, and sugar snap peas outside. Onions are a good spring crop, too. They will be available at garden centers in early spring, as onion sets, which are small onion bulbs, or as onion plants.
     Early spring is also a great time to plant ornamental cabbage and kale, pansies, and violas. These visually attractive plants love the cool weather and can be planted along flower bed borders, among the vegetables, and in containers. They will provide a wide range of color until the temperatures get hot in late June and July.
     Do you have more gardening questions? The Gardener Hotline is another way to get reliable gardening information. It is staffed by trained Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Greater Kansas City. The phone number is 816-833-TREE (8733).  You can also email gardening, landscaping, and other horticulture questions to them at [email protected].
     Also, feel free to contact Cathy Bylinowski, MU Extension Horticulture Instructor, [email protected], if you have more gardening questions or need more information on MU Extension Horticulture programs. 

This is an editorial: An editorial, like news reporting, is based on objective facts, but shares an opinion. The conclusions and opinions here have been derived by the guest contributor and are not associated with the news staff.


Coleman’s Legislation Update:
 
     This week I filed HB 1066 regarding tattooing/micro blading. Women and men are going to individuals to permanently tattoo/micro blade their eyebrows. This procedure is increasing in popularity; and more and more people are walking away with unpleasant results. This bill if passed would require the individuals that are performing this procedure to uphold the same requirements and penalties as a tattoo artist. Please find below a link with further details regarding nation and state-wide guidelines.
https://www.pmuhub.com/microblading/licensing-regulations/
     Furthermore this week my HB 454 regarding increase charges on sexual offenses involving a minor was heard in Children and Families Committee. This bill increases the age of the minors that are victims of grooming, enticement, and prostitution, this will mirror the federal government guidelines. It also increases the charges/penalties of the perpetrators luring our children away from their families.
 
Missouri House Approves Vital Public Safety Legislation (HB 301)
     House Speaker Dean Plocher and the members of the Missouri House of Representatives took an important step this week to provide assistance to areas of the state plagued by violent crime. The House approved HB 301 by a vote of 109-35.
      It was during his Opening Day Address that Speaker Plocher told his colleagues they “cannot be bystanders as unchecked crime causes the systematic destruction of our proud state.” He called on House members to make it a priority to enact common sense reforms and provide the resources necessary to protect every Missouri community. Plocher said HB 301 represents a good faith effort by the legislature to provide assistance to areas of the state such as St. Louis where violent crime has run rampant.
     “As someone who is from St. Louis and who cares deeply about the families and businesses who call our part of the state home, I want to do everything we can to ensure we have safe communities where kids live without fear and criminals know they will be prosecuted for their violent actions,” said Plocher. “However, with hundreds of murders each year and thousands of unprosecuted criminal cases, we see a St. Louis that is anything but safe and that drives people and employers away from our area. I’m confident HB 301 can give us an important tool to restore law and order to St. Louis or any part of our state where violent crime has grown out of control.”
     HB 301 is a wide-ranging public safety bill that includes a key provision that would allow the governor to appoint a special prosecutor in areas of the state with an excessive homicide rate. The bill specifies the governor would be empowered to appoint a prosecutor in any circuit or prosecuting attorney’s jurisdiction that has a homicide rate in excess of 35 cases per 100,000 people and where the governor determines there is a threat to public safety and health. The special prosecutor would be appointed for a period of up to five years.
     The sponsor of HB 301, who previously served as director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety, said it’s important that the state act to help with the problem of violent crime in St. Louis or in any part of the state.
     “Crime in our state, and across the nation, is a concern but particularly in our urban areas where at this point at least one of our communities has a per capita crime rate that more than doubles the per capita crime rate of Chicago,” said the bill sponsor. “I’ve been told that I shouldn’t be meddling in this community’s business, but I would submit to you and anyone else who wants to listen, I am not a meddler. I’m not an outsider. I’m a Missourian. In the past five years 1,043 Missourians have died in the city limits of St. Louis. That is not acceptable. It would not matter where in this state such a thing occurred, it would still not be acceptable.”
      HB 301 specifies that the prosecutor appointed by the governor would have exclusive jurisdiction to initiate and prosecute offenses specified in the bill. The state will provide funding to the special prosecutor, who would be authorized to hire up to 15 assistant special prosecuting attorneys and up to 15 staff members.
     HB 301 also contains several other provisions designed to improve public safety in Missouri. The bill would establish the Peace Officer Basic Training Tuition Reimbursement Program to help address the shortage of police officers in some parts of the state. The bill would also ensure the Department of Corrections to implement a policy to help offenders apply for Medicaid and obtain vital documents such as a birth certificate or Social Security card. Additionally, the legislation establishes factors for a judge or judicial officer to consider when setting bail, includes protections for a judicial officer’s personal information, and creates Blair’s Law.
     The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
 
House Approves Bill to Allow Direct Access to Physical Therapy (HBs 115 & 99)
 
     Lawmakers gave strong bipartisan approval this week to legislation that would allow patients to have direct access to physical therapy. The Missouri House approved HBs 115 & 99 by a vote of 147-1.
      The sponsor of the bill noted that 47 states currently allow some form of direct access to physical therapy. She pointed out that studies show patients with direct access have fewer visits and less overall cost.
     “Direct access is about individual choice in health care decisions through the elimination of unnecessary and burdensome regulations,” said the bill’s sponsor. She added, “Allowing individuals to make their own decisions regarding their own health care is really great policy, and eliminating the referral requirements is one step to making health care more accessible to all people.”
     Under HBs 115 & 99 a physical therapist would no longer need a prescription or referral from a doctor in order to evaluate and initiate treatment on a patient. To qualify, the physical therapist would need a Doctorate of Physical Therapy Degree or five years of clinical practice as a physical therapist.
     The bill also states the physical therapist must refer to an approved health care provider any patient whose condition is beyond the physical therapist's scope of practice, or any patient who does not demonstrate measurable or functional improvement after 10 visits or 30 days, whichever occurs first.
     The bill’s sponsor said, “Physical therapists are qualified to recognize when a patient presents with signs and symptoms outside the scope of their practice and their expertise, and they will always refer to a physician if that’s the case.”
     Additionally, the bill requires the physical therapist to consult with an approved health care provider before continuing therapy if after 10 visits or 30 business days, whichever occurs first, the patient has demonstrated measurable or functional improvement from the physical therapy and the physical therapist believes that continuation of physical therapy is necessary. Continued physical therapy must be in accordance with any direction of the health care provider and the therapist must notify the health care provider of continuing physical therapy every 30 days.
     Similar measures have received House approval in recent years, but have failed to make their way into law. The bill’s sponsor is optimistic her bill will make it through both chambers and to the governor’s desk this year.
     She said, “I think we should make Missouri competitive with our neighboring states and allow our constituents the opportunity to seek the health care that they desire and in the meantime save money and get their lives back free of pain.”
     She added, “There is no reason why Missouri should be the most restrictive state in the nation for patients to be able to see physical therapists.”
     The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
 
Missouri House Approves Supplemental Budget Bill (HB 14)
     This week the members of the Missouri House approved a supplemental spending bill that will allocate additional funds for the current state operating budget. The House gave initial approval to the bill by a vote of 148-2.
     In total, the bill allocates more than $627 million in funding. Some of the highlights of the supplementing spending plan include:

• 8.7% pay increase for state workers
  • Does not include general assembly and statewide elected officials
  • Additional $2 an hour shift differential for night shift direct care workforce (prisons, hospitals, other care facilities)
• $286.5 million in spending authority for the State Emergency Management Agency.
• $628,750 appropriation to the Department of Agriculture to help address the growing black vulture problem impacting livestock owners statewide.
• $20 million to establish school safety programs, including physical security upgrades and associated technology, bleeding control kits, and automatic external defibrillators

 
     The bill now requires a final vote in the House before moving to the Senate.
 
Lawmakers Receive the Annual State of the Judiciary Address
      Members from the House and Senate gathered in the House Chamber this week to receive the annual State of the Judiciary Address. Delivered by Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul C. Wilson, the address focused on the importance of preserving public trust in the judicial branch, the essential role technology plays in making courts open and accessible, the success of treatment courts, and the impact of the growing mental health crisis.
      Wilson asked legislators to help make the public understand and trust the judicial system. Wilson said, “I doubt you agree with every decision the seven of us make, let alone the hundreds of thousands of decisions made every year by trial judges all around this state. I know I don’t. So, if you want to tell your constituents you think we got it wrong, that’s your right. But when you do, take a minute to explain that – even when you think we got it wrong – you know judges are just public servants like you; doing their best to decide cases based on the facts and their best understanding of the law … because I promise you that’s true.”
     Wilson also stressed the importance of the technology and automation steps Missouri courts have taken to be more open and accessible. Wilson said, “These innovations have not only revolutionized how we work, they’ve fundamentally changed how Missourians interact with their court system.” He highlighted the eJuror system as well as the fact most traffic cases can be resolved online. Wilson also mentioned how remote video appearances are now a permanent, indispensable part of the judicial landscape. Wilson urged lawmakers to renew a filing fee that helps fund court automation.
      During his address, Wilson also focused his comments on the positive impact treatment courts have had on defendants with mental health and co-occurring substance abuse disorders. Wilson said, “Each treatment court success story means a prison term or a life altering felony conviction avoided. It means strengthening our communities by helping one person at a time break the cycle of addiction before it lands them in prison. But even more important, every one of these success stories means a family restored, not shattered; a constructive life returned to society, not lost to incarceration; and – so many times – it means a parent who is there to play a meaningful role in their children’s lives, not someone those kids see through a piece of plexiglass only once a month, if at all.”
     Wilson also noted the courts are finding themselves on the front lines of a growing mental health crisis. He said, “Too often, we are confronted with individuals manifesting mental health conditions so profound they are not even competent to stand trial.” He asked lawmakers to support the recommendation of the Missouri Justice Reinvestment Initiative to strengthen efforts to bring competency restoration services to the defendants where they are. He also asked legislators to consider passing legislation aimed at protecting judges’ private information.
 
Please let me know If you have other concerns and suggestions.  If you would like to schedule a specific time to meet locally, please call my office at 573-751-1487, or email my office at [email protected]. 
 

     The following information is derived from Grain Valley Police Department daily calls service log for the week of February 8-14, 2023.
 
February 8, 2023
1100 Blk SW Sandy
Agency assist

1100 Blk NW Golfview De
Citizen contact

1400 Blk NW Olympic
Alarm

200 Blk NW Amanda
Alarm

NW Eagles/NW Royer Ln
Motor vehicle accident

700 Blk SW Whitestone Dr
Citizen contact

 
February 9, 2023
Main St/70
Area check

1200 Blk NW Cedar
911 hangup

1300 Blk NW Ashley Ln
Verbal disturbance

PHQ
Citizen contact

PHQ
Citizen contact

 
February 10, 2023
1700 Blk NW Helen Ct
Physical disturbance

1100 Blk Main
Alarm

PHQ
Citizen contact

1100 Blk S Buckner Tarsney
Alarm

Lake Tapawingo PD/PHQ
Warrant pick-up

1100 Blk SW Dean Dr
Welfare check

 
February 11, 2023
PHQ
Citizen contact

Minter @ Capelle St
Noise complaint

800 Blk NW Capelle St
Physical disturbance

PHQ
Agency assist

600 Blk SW Nelson
Welfare check

1100 Blk NE McQuerry Rd
Motor vehicle accident

SE 8th St/SE Park Ave
Agency assist

800 Blk NW Poplar Ct
Area check

PHQ
Citizen contact

PHQ
Tow release

 
February 12, 2023
100 Blk SW Cross Creek
Agency assist

Duncan/Dillingham
Area check

700 Blk E RD Mize Rd
Found property

 
February 13, 2023
PHQ
Citizen contact

1100 Blk Main St
Agency assist

Ray County
Prisoner transport

900 Blk NW Lindenwood Dr
Suspicious activity

100 Blk Woodbury Dr
Suspicious vehicle

70/Main St
Agency assist

200 Blk  Main St
Disturbance

BB North of Woodbury Dr
Motorist assist

 
February 14, 2023
Jenson/Hoot Owl/Andeon
Area check

1100 Blk Cottonwood Ct
Transport

300 Blk Eagles
Agency assist

PHQ
Citizen contact

600 Blk Thieme
Disturbance

Montana Ridge/Hampton Ct
Citizen contact

 
Additional calls for service:
Domestic violence: 1
​

​     St. Mary’s Medical Center’s Emergency Department now offers technology called “GetCareNow,” which allows patients to reserve an appointment, via the St. Mary’s Medical Center website, StMarysKC.com, to be seen in the emergency room (ER). Patients fill out a brief, secure form, and no username or password is required. The tool can notify the patient if there is a change that may extend the patient’s wait, or a notification will be sent if patient can arrive to the ER sooner.
     The tool provides added convenience for those with non-life-threatening emergent needs. Priority is given to patients who reserve an appointment through GetCareNow over “walk-in” patients with similar symptoms.
     “Our priority is to provide patients an exceptional experience, and that includes the ability for patients to schedule an appointment online and wait safely at home,” Kelly Pearce, CEO, said. “We know life is busy, and our team of caregivers in the emergency room is honored to ease the stress involved in these situations. We always strive to deliver the very best care.”
     GetCareNow is only for non-life or limb-threatening emergencies. If you are experiencing chest pain, trouble breathing or symptoms of a stroke, call 911 immediately.
     GetCareNow is a feature of the newly designed St. Mary’s Medical Center website. With “Action Buttons” featured on every page, patients can easily find a doctor, schedule appointments, and get directions. In addition, there are customized menus for patients, providers, job seekers, and visitors. Platform capabilities include a 24/7 chatbot, patient prep instructions, patient e-registration, secure messaging, post-visit virtual check-ins, and patient feedback and reviews. 

     For the first time in her career, Grain Valley junior Sevreign Aumua will have some company at the Missouri State High School Girls Wrestling Championships.
     She was the lone girls on the team during the 2020-21 season and qualified for state and took third. Last season, the then-sophomore was the only one to qualify and she won a state championship.
     This year, Jayden Moehle will also be headed to Columbia for Grain Valley as she took fourth in the 235-pound weight class at the Class 2 District 4 Tournament Saturday at Platte County High School.
     Aumua won her weight class at 140 to make her third trip to state.
     ““I am really excited for her and for Grain Valley,” Aumua said. “I was always the loner of the girls, so it’s really exciting to get a roommate (for state).”
     “I am really proud of my teammates and how they did this season.”
     Grain Valley finished ninth out of 21 teams as a team, totaling 68 points. Aumua helped that cause by dominating her bracket. She pinned all three of her opponents, including Raytown South’s Zayla Van in 2:33 during the championship match.
     “I think I did really well, she’s really strong,” Aumua said of Vann. “I think I was able to learn my technique. I got a turk in there and I have been practicing that in the wrestling room and it’s paying off.”
     Moehle qualified for state after pinning Sandera Mancera in 2:21 in the bubble match to move on to the third-place bout. In her final match, she was edged out by Liberty’s Alexis Stinson 2-1.
     “It feels pretty good,” Moehle said of qualifying for state. “I did lose my last match but it’s OK. I am learning from my mistakes, and I will get it next time.”
     Ava Kusick (115), Camary Schmalzbach (135) and Adalia Del Real (170) came close to making it to state, but they all fell in their bubble matches. 

by Tara Sallee MS, RD, LD

     Score big points on game day with a tasty tailgate that is also good for you! Game day can be hard to navigate while sticking to health and wellness. It’s estimated that the average American consumes around 2,500 calories during the big game, just during the 4-5 hour span. However, with a few of Hy-Vee dietitians’ top tips you can stay on track while enjoying the day!
     Avoid skipping meals in preparation for a watch party or tailgate. Skipping meals and snacks leading up to the big game can result in a lack of protein and fiber throughout the day – two nutrients that help keep you full longer. When we are overly hungry, it is harder to make healthy choices and use portion control, which can often result in overeating. Start off game day with a protein- and fiber-filled breakfast such as an egg with peanut butter whole-wheat toast. Peanut butter provides protein and good fats along with a variety of vitamins and minerals. When combined with fiber-filled whole-grain bread and nutrient-dense eggs, it makes for the perfect start to the day!
     When you arrive at the party, grab a plate, add your favorites and take a seat! This helps avoid grazing when standing by the food table. Grazing results in mindless eating, larger portions and more calories. Be intentional about the foods and portion sizes you consume by plating your food and sitting down to eat. Scope out the food spread first and then take small portions of your top 3 indulgences. If fruits and veggies are being served, add those to your plate in addition to the game day favorites you can’t live without!
     Whether you are tailgating or having a watch party, you can serve better-for-you appetizers that are sure to be crowd-pleasers! Try sweet and salty Peanut Butter Hummus, loaded with protein and fiber that will fill you up and keep you full longer. Pair this with healthy dippers like fresh fruit or pretzel sticks for a great game day snack that will not derail your health goals!
 
Peanut Butter Hummus
Serves 12
 
All you need:
1 (15 oz) can garbanzo beans
¼ cup Hy-Vee peanut butter
¼ cup agave nectar
2 tbsp PB2 powdered peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp Hy-Vee salt
2-3 tsp water, or as needed.
Hy-Vee peanuts, chopped, for garnish
 
All you do:
1.Place garbanzo beans in a food processor. Cover and pulse until coarsely chopped.
2.Add creamy peanut butter, agave nectar, peanut butter powder, vanilla and salt and process until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides as needed. Add water, as needed, to food processor to reach desired consistency.
3.Transfer hummus to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped peanuts. Serve with desired dippers.
 
Recipe source: https://www.hy-vee.com/recipes-ideas/recipes/peanut-butter-hummus
 
     For more healthy tips, reach out to a Hy-Vee dietitian today, and be sure to check out February Hy-Vee Seasons magazine for other game day recipes!
     The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.

     After years of service to the city as a member of the Grain Valley Park Board, long time resident Brian Bray is running unopposed for the open Board of Aldermen seat in Ward III.
     Bray, a Principal Solutions Architect in the financial services industry, has lived in Grain Valley since the early 2000s with his family, settling first on the south side of town before moving to a home on the north side of Grain Valley in Ward III. Bray has a freshman at Grain Valley High School (GVHS) and two grown sons who graduated from GVHS.
     Bray has served on the Park Board since 2018, currently serving his second term as president of the board. Parks and trails, and the continued development of recreation amenities for residents, are top of mind for Bray, who says he hopes to continue to be an advocate for the parks as alderman.
     “I’m really focused on the parks and trails system, but also in responsible growth. There is continued debate about the right mix of businesses and types of housing, and the challenge is determining how we do that in a way that makes sense for our community,” Bray said.
     “Coming from an IT world, I work with a lot of single people in their 20s and 30s. Many of them are choosing to live in an apartment and are looking for those types of communities. They don’t want to maintain a yard or upkeep on a home. That’s the lifestyle they want. So these types of housing opportunities are important to look at as well. We have to have a balanced approach.”
     While this is his first foray into elected office, Bray believes he will make an easy transition into working with the Board of Aldermen.
     “I’ve had some exposure through my service on the Park Board. I’ve had the opportunity to interact with the members of the board and I am sure I will be able to work well with everyone.”
     Bray said his experience on the Park Board has cemented his belief in the importance of all residents getting involved in their community and speaking up about their needs and wants.
     “I really encourage people to get involved. Come to the park board meetings and other board meetings. I can count on less than one hand the number of times we’ve had a citizen attend a meeting. When people do not attend or voice their opinions on what the city needs, we have to start making assumptions about what people want. Get involved. You don’t have to run for office, but show up. Share your ideas and make your voice heard.”
          Valley News will profile each candidate on the ballot in the weeks leading up to the election, provide a voter guide, and plans a candidate forum in late March. To search for all election related articles, click on “Elections” under the categories on our News page. For voter registration information, visit www.jcebmo.org. 

     Opening Feb. 23, 2023, the National WWI Museum and Memorial is pleased to announce the newest exhibition, Entertaining the Troops. The saying “war is months of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror” likely came about due to the endless trench warfare of WWI.
     Soldiers of all nations and militaries turned to a wide variety of entertainment to manage the boredom and distract from the terror: from sports, gambling and card games, to music, food and drink, to organized performances and dances.  
     Entertaining the Troops gives a peek into the life of a WWI soldier beyond the battlefield, whether waiting for the enemies’ next move or partying in Paris. Fans and spectators of April’s 2023 NFL Draft, taking place in large part at the National WWI Museum and Memorial, will have the chance to learn about football and other sports played to pass time. The National Football League was formed in its earliest version just after the end of the Great War in 1920. Opening in Exhibit Hall, Entertaining the Troops is included in a general admission ticket. 
     March 2022 saw the viral rise of an icon symbolizing Ukrainian resistance to Russian invasion, Saint Javelin. One year later, on March 24 at 6 p.m., the Museum and Memorial will host Saint Javelin: Art, Faith and Mobilization. Two key figures in the icon's popularity – Christian Borys, former journalist and founder of the Saint Javelin corporation, and California-based artist Chris Shaw, who created the original painting that Saint Javelin is based on – will join in conversation with Museum and Memorial Specialist Curator Patricia Cecil and President and CEO Matthew Naylor. The Saint Javelin painting has been on display at the National WWI Museum and Memorial since August 2022 and will remain until Feb. 28, 2023. 
     Guests can begin the discussion with a ticketed reception on the Paul Sunderland Glass Bridge before the program, in partnership with Stand With Ukraine KC. All proceeds will directly benefit Ukrainian aid. Tickets to the reception are $30. 
     Also in February, Lawrence Lecture Series: Lawrence as a Writer on Sunday, Feb. 5 at 2 p.m., will feature scholar Philip Neale as he navigates the checkered history of Lawrence of Arabia’s famous autobiography and other compositions. On Saturday, Feb. 11 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Day in the Life: Technology will take place. Living History volunteers will focus on the technology developed before and during WWI on the battlefield, hospital ward and home front. On Tuesday, Feb. 21, guests can join for The Unfinished Business of Democracy: Lincoln, Wilson and the Issue of Race. Abraham Lincoln and Woodrow Wilson both fought for American democratic ideals but the way they each chose to address race had serious consequences and left unfinished business. The conversation will take place at 7 p.m., with a free reception prior to the event at 6 p.m. 
     To learn more, visit theworldwar.org. 

     The 2023 Jackson County budget (Ordinance 5701), approved by the Legislature on January 30th, was signed into law on February 8th, with County Executive Frank White, Jr. issuing a press release to explain a series of line-item vetoes made to the budget. 
     “Members of the budget committee have said publicly that they prioritized life in their amended budget, but that’s difficult for me and the community to believe when, at the last minute, they cut millions of dollars in essential projects, programs and people,” White said. “I have a responsibility to do what’s right and truly provide a better, more equitable quality of life for all county residents and that is the reason for my actions today.”
     White pointed to more than two dozen programs the Legislature amended, reduced or eliminated in the 2023 budget, including Our Healthy KC Eastside, Jackson County Reproductive Equity Fund, Westside Neighborhood community improvements, and free veteran admission at Liberty Memorial. 
     “I am committed to working with the Legislature to fix the foreseeable harm that Ordinance 5701 has caused and will cause Jackson County,” White said. “It is important for the community, county associates and County Legislature to know that I remain committed to the priorities we have outlined and I will not move forward until Our Healthy KC Eastside, the Jackson County Reproductive Equity Fund, Westside Community Improvements and other arbitrary, capricious and politically motivated cuts are restored.”
     White reduced budget increases for new staff positions, salary increases for new and returning staff, increased car allowances, lobbyists, lawyers and travel expenses. White stated the reductions would not jeopardize any existing staff positions or defund programs or projects that have previously been approved by the County Legislature. 
     White also objected to funding for outside agencies due to the lack of a competitive process, stating "such actions are in conflict with county policies, past practices and the current award process as outlined on the county legislative auditor’s website."
     Additionally, the Jackson County Counselor’s Office determined that the County Legislature lacks the legal authority to increase the appropriation of the Health Fund. White used his line-item veto authority to reduce the appropriation to bring the budget back into compliance.
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     County Executive White’s full signing statement of Ordinance 5701 is provided below as well as his 29 line-item vetoes and a legal memorandum from the Jackson County Counselor’s Office.