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by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Last week I attended a Grain Valley High School Alumni Board meeting. In attendance at the meeting were two members of the Class of 1973. In May, they will celebrate their 50th year anniversary as graduates of GVHS. When we returned their old yearbook to its home, a shelf at the Historical Society Museum, I gazed at the shelf above which is home to several much older yearbooks dating back to 1936. There I found the 1943 yearbook, soon to be 80 years old. None of those graduates are still with us, but there are many familiar names and faces; some you may have known, some you may have heard of and at least one has a road named for her family members who lived there. The 1943 yearbook resembles a spiral notebook. It has only 24 pages, followed by 10 pages of advertising. It looks as if it were type-written and printed on a mimeograph machine, except it has photos. In addition to the individual photographs of the Board of Education, the faculty, and the high school classes, there are five group photos of elementary students (1st thru 8th grade). While the yearbook Queen, Doris Brizendine got a full page, the band, choir, drama club, junior, and senior plays casts and student council all had to share a page. The same was true for the boys and girls basketball team. The football team shared their page with the Commercial Club! Because this yearbook was published during World War II, there was a full page dedicated to “Grad in Service,” most pictured in a small snapshot wearing their military uniform. Visit the Historical Society Museum any Wednesday between 10 AM and 3 PM. I‘ll give you a cup of coffee to drink (also tea or water) and you can peruse our yearbook collection. You are bound to find someone you know! Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a concept has been around since ancient times, but in our digital world, we are beginning to see the concept come to life. Smart devices have invaded our lives in the form of smart home gadgets, as well as software-based tools like Grammarly.
In the past few months, AI has become more evolved as ChatGPT was released by Open AI last fall. This tool allows you to ask questions using natural dialogue to which this chatbot gives answers in conversational mode. This chatbot can remember the course of your dialogue, using questions and answers you've already asked to formulate more responses as the conversation goes on. It can also pull answers and information from the wealth of resources on the Internet. Why is ChatGPT taking up the conversation on the Internet? Read on to find out why this system is raising so many eyebrows. What's the big deal with ChatGPT? ChatGPT was released by OpenAI in November 2022 for the propose of showing what a very powerful AI system can do. Unlike many resources on the internet where you have to physically use search engines like Google or Bing, you can go to ChatGPT ask it countless questions which will usually deliver useful information. For example, you can ask it questions that you would look up on Google or on an old school encyclopedia. You can ask questions like "Why is the sky blue during the day", or something more complex like "Explain Einstein's formula E=MC2". You can ask it to "write me a poem" or "create a haiku". You can even ask it to write a computer program. The list is almost endless in the questions you can ask. The interesting thing about ChatGPT is that it doesn't really know anything, so it isn't intelligent. It simply knows how to find the information you're looking for by searching the large amount of data that's on the internet and is able to deliver it in a way that is easy for you to understand. Since ChatGPT isn't fully 'aware' and is just gathering data, sometimes the information you get from your request may be wrong. Chatbots like open AI have been around for years. One of the things AI researchers are trying to solve is the Turing Test which was created by Alan Turing. The Imitation Game that Turing created was designed to test intelligence with the question of "Can a human conversing with a human and with a computer tell which is which?" For years, companies and hackers have tried to use AI. With companies, the use of AI is to help reduce the workload of humans by having AI handle mundane customer service requests. Criminals create chatbots as a means to phish information from unsuspecting users on social media and other online mediums. What are the Pros and Cons of ChatGPT It's Free. At the time of this writing, ChatGPT can be downloaded and used on any device out there. Start at https://chat.openai.com/chat to start playing around with this AI and see what it can do for you. It Remembers. Unlike most other chatbots, ChatGPT remembers previous questions and answers in the same conversation. AI can be helpful as it begins to understand what your thinking process is and help you find solutions to the questions you ask. Bilateral interactions. As you discuss various subjects, you can provide follow-up corrections so that ChatGPT adapts its responses to better focus on what matters most to you. You can also ask it for clarity on the responses you get back. It pays close attention to your Terms. ChatGPT pays attention to every word in your sentences or questions to provide as complex and detailed answers as you want. For example, the questions "explain how black holes work in simple terms" and "explain how black holes work in advanced terms" will result in two different answers. It is an Ethical AI. Queries are filtered to prevent ChatGPT from producing potentially racist, sexist, violent, or non-ethical outputs. It ain't perfect. ChatGPT is impressive, but it is absolutely not a perfect solution to every problem. It still has limitations, and the developers know it, as it may occasionally generate incorrect information, harmful instructions, or biased content, and has limited knowledge of the world and events after 2021. Also, it cannot browse the internet or provide information on websites. As with Google itself and other sources of information like Wikipedia, it's best practice to verify information from original sources before relying on it. Hopefully, this has given you an explanation of ChatGPT and how it impacts you. This AI is bringing us closer to a world of full artificial intelligence, but we have a ways to go. If you need further assistance, please reach out to me with any questions you might have. I am always happy to help! As we sit in the midst of winter (according to the calendar, though maybe not the weather) our options for local produce are limited, unless you have a greenhouse. Since most of the options in the grocery store don’t reflect seasonal prices, I find myself reaching for fruits or vegetables that just make me happy and one of those is mangos.
While I love the flavor of mangoes, I don’t like dealing with them, so I tend to grab them when I know my daughter will be around, because she is skilled at preparing them. Mangoes were first grown in India some 5000 years ago and is a symbol of love. The paisley pattern, developed in India, is said to be inspired by the shape of the mango. As travel increased, mango seeds were shared across the Middle East and Africa between 300 and 400 AD. In the 1600’s, Spanish explorers, brought mangoes to South America and Mexico. Commercial mango production in the United States started in the early 1900’s and the fruit are only grown successfully in California, Florida, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. The major world-wide producers of mangos are Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil. Mangoes are one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world. One of the six main varieties - Tommy Atkins, Honey, Kent, Keitt, Haden and Francis - are typically available year-round. Botanically, mangoes are a drupe, more commonly known as a stone fruit, due to their central stone which contains a single seed. When selecting mangoes, look for plump fruits that are slightly soft when pressed with a finger. Avoid those fruits that are wrinkled or sticky with sap on the skin. If a mango is not soft, it can be placed in a brown paper bag to hasten the ripening. Firm mangoes are easier to prepare than soft fruit. Start by slicing about ½ inch on each side of the stem, which should make the knife go just around the center stone. With each half of fruit, make cross cuts about ½ inch wide, but do not cut through the skin. Then use a spoon to scoop the cubes of fruit from the peel. Nibbling the fruit from the center stone is your reward for your preparation efforts! If you have overripe mangoes that don’t cooperate with the above method, peel and remove the fruit in whatever way possible and puree in a blender or food processor with a small amount of lemon juice and freeze in ice cube trays to use later. Mangoes boast an abundance of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K which are important for immune, vascular, and bone health. Minerals such as potassium and magnesium are beneficial in management of hypertension. The dietary fiber and amylase compounds in mangoes are beneficial to digestive health. Mangoes make a delicious addition to a fruit salad or a smoothie, using frozen puree. Our favorite way to enjoy them is in salsa. The recipe below makes a wonderful accompaniment to fish or chicken, or just scooped up with some fresh baked corn chips. Mango Salsa (Makes 8 servings) 3 mangos, ripe but still firm 1 cup chopped red bell pepper ½ cup chopped red onion ¼ cup finely chopped jalapeno pepper 2 Tablespoons lime juice 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Nutrition information: Calories: 48, Total Fat: .3, Saturated Fat: .1g, Sodium: 2mg, Carbohydrates: 12g, Fiber: 1.5g, Protein: .8g Recipe adapted from Cooking Matters, analyzed by verywellfit.com by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation
Having a good planting plan can help gardeners develop a native plant garden that meets their goals. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer a free virtual DIY Native Landscape Design class from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25. This online course will help gardeners make choices about what species to plant and how to design their placement for a successful garden. Native wildflowers and grasses can provide year-round color and texture. They’re adapted to Missouri’s soils and climate, and once established, maintenance can be more minimal than for non-native plants. Plus, natives better serve songbirds, pollinating insects, and wildlife. Thoughtful species choices can also provide a series of wildflower blooms from spring into autumn. Native prairie grasses provide backdrops in summer, golden-red color in autumn, and interesting patterns in winter. Late winter is a good time to prepare for spring planting. Cydney Ross, MDC native landscape specialist, will provide suggestions and talk about how selecting the right plants and designing with intent can help a gardener achieve the colors and patterns they seek. A backdrop for the class will be the extensive native plant garden at the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center in Kansas City, where Ross is based. That garden showcases how natives can be used in landscape designs. The DIY Native Landscape Design class is open to participants ages 18 and older. Registration is required. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Y4. The following information is derived from Grain Valley Police Department daily calls service log for the week of February 1-7, 2023.
February 1, 2023 PHQ Citizen contact 500 Blk Main Alarm check 600 Blk NW Thieme Disturbance Sni A Bar/Broadway Area check 1100 Blk SW Ephraim Dr Disturbance 2300 Blk NW Lindenwood Ct Suspicious activity SW Lakeview Dr Suspicious activity SW Lakeview Dr/SW Indian Creek Dr Suspicious activity 1200 Blk NW Golfview Dr Agency assist 1500 Blk Eagle Ridge Dr Agency assist 600 Blk NW Valley Ridge Cr Alarm check 1300 Blk NW Eagles Ridge Dr Welfare check NW Persimmon/NW Rosewood Suspicious person February 2, 2023 40/Main St Area check 1000 Blk Bush Dr Alarm 100 Blk NE Sunny Ln Disturbance PHQ Public service 1200 Blk NW Long Dr Disturbance 1100 Blk Main St Harassment February 3, 2023 70/Main St Motor vehicle accident 1100 Blk NW Meadow Ct Residence check 1200 Blk NW Phelps Dr Disturbance PHQ Citizen contact PHQ Citizen contact 1400 Blk N Olympic Suspicious vehicle 1300 Blk NW Highview Suspicious vehicle 1300 Blk Eagle Ridge Ct Welfare check 1100 Blk SW Ephraim Dr Area check PHQ Citizen contact 200 Blk NW Jackie Ave Motor vehicle accident 200 Blk NW Young St Suspicious vehicle February 4, 2023 800 Blk SW Woodland Stealing 500 Blk Eagles Property damage 100 Blk S Main St Citizen contact PHQ Public service 1300 Blk NW Hickory Wood Ct Disturbance 1200 Blk NW Baytree Dr Missing person February 5, 2023 800 Blk SW Mill Creek Ct Citizen contact February 6, 2023 200 Blk NW Jefferson Stealing 100 Blk Harris Stealing 200 Blk NE Kim Ct Agency assist PHQ Citizen contact 600 Blk NW Jefferson Agency assist 1400 Blk NW Golfview Alarm 200 Blk NW Gregg St Property damage 700 Blk SW Eagles Pkwy Citizen contact PHQ Sexual assault 2200 Blk NW Hedgewood Dr Suspicious activity 3000 Blk NW Jefferson Alarm 1800 Blk Willow Dr Suspicious person 600 Blk SW Brome Area check 1300 Blk NW Hilltop Ln Noise complaint 900 Blk NW Magnolia Ln Suspicious vehicle February 7, 2023 1000 Blk NW Hickory Ct Welfare check 900 Blk SW Crestview Property damage Branch Creek Trail Juveniles smoking 1300 Blk NW Crestwood Dr Protection order violation South District Agency assist 600 Nelson Stealing Blue Springs PD Prisoner transport 1300 Blk NW Crestwood Dr Order violation 180 Blk NW Woodbury Dr Suspicious activity 700 Blk NW Albaross Dr Citizen contact 1100 Blk NW Sawgrass Dr Citizen contact by Annelise Hanshaw, Missouri Independent (2/8/2023 6:15pm) After days of behind-the-scenes negotiations, the Missouri Senate gave initial approval Wednesday to legislation that included a watered-down version of the GOP-backed ban on so-called “critical race theory.” But the changes weren’t enough to win over Democrats, who allege the bill still runs the risk of being a “tool to bludgeon public schools that are already struggling.” “The only people who benefit are those who have an interest in dismantling public schools,” said Sen. Lauren Arthur, D-Kansas City, during Wednesday’s debate. The legislation seeks to create a statewide portal to house curriculum and school financials, enshrine parental rights, ban some lessons on race and form a patriotism course for teachers. Sen. Andrew Koenig, R-Manchester, introduced a new version of the legislation on Wednesday, adding provisions that would open transportation funding to magnet schools and prohibit students from accessing inappropriate material on school-issued devices. Despite her reservations about the overall bill, Arthur praised a 4% increase in the funding the state allocates for impoverished students that Koenig included in the newest version. The legislation would also establish a 15% increase per homeless child in a district. Arthur noted that homeless kids require more “wraparound services.” She did, however, have concerns that some of the bill’s provisions will put additional administrative burdens on teachers, who in the face of massive shortages in districts around the state are “just trying to find 10 minutes to go to the bathroom.” As part of the so-called “Parents Bill of Rights,” teachers would have to make educational materials available to parents, upon request, within two days if a document is not copyrighted. School staff would have to upload details of professional development, third-party speakers and list online all books required in its courses. Sen. Karla May, D-St. Louis, worried about the bill’s provision prohibiting certain lessons about race. She was among the Black senators who last week blocked passage of the bill when it first came up for debate in the chamber. “You’re still hindering the dialogue and restricting a teacher’s ability to freely educate students on history and things like that,” she said Wednesday. The section seeks to bar educators from demanding teachers or students affirm certain ideas about race. New additions to the provision clarify that it would not inhibit teachers from “discussing current events in a historical context” or bar discussion of the ideas, so long as teachers clarify the school doesn’t endorse the opinions. One such viewpoint the bill says would violate the policy is: “That individuals of any race, ethnicity, color or national origin are inherently superior or inferior.” Koenig said his bill would not prohibit teaching that individuals have labeled others as inferior in the past. He just doesn’t want people proclaiming that today. May said the bill was “teetering” on a “fine line.” She worried about the “unintended consequences.” “If a teacher is teaching something, and a student goes home to their parents and tells them it and misinterpreted what the teacher said, are we now going to have recorders in the classroom? How do we deal with that situation?” May said. “You don’t see a lot of lawsuits coming out of this?” she asked. Koenig said teachers can appeal when parents allege that they taught something out of compliance with the policy. According to the bill, parents who catch a teacher in violation of this section are granted money to an educational expense account for their student, paid out by the violating district. Only a handful of senators were present as they gave a voice vote to grant initial approval to the bill. The legislation still requires a a roll-call vote to head to the House. State Sen. Karla May, D-St. Louis, inquires of bill sponsor Sen. Andrew Koenig, R-Manchester, on the Senate floor Wednesday: "You don’t see a lot of lawsuits coming out of this?” (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)
by Michael Smith In the first half, things were tight in Grain Valley’s non-conference boys basketball matchup with Platte County. The Eagles led 16-12 at the end of the first period and were clinging to a 31-27 lead late in the second. After the Pirates missed a 3-pointer, Grain Valley senior guard Reece Troyer grabbed a rebound with just five seconds left. He calmly went coast-to-coast and made a layup at the buzzer to put his team up 33-27 at halftime. That seemed to be the momentum boost Grain Valley needed as it outscored Platte County 38-27 in the second half as it dominated in a 71-54 victory Tuesday at home. “It was because of Eli (Herbert) that I was able to do that,” Troyer said of his buzzer beater. “He yelled ‘You have time.’ I looked up and saw I had three seconds left. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have had that.” “I knew I had enough time. I have practiced that shot.” Troyer has had a knack for making buzzer-beating layups this season as he had one in a game earlier in the season. “Most people who get in that situation panic and chuck something up,” Grain Valley head coach Andy Herbert said. “He knew he had time to get all the way to the rim and finish.” Grain Valley blew the game open in the third period by outscoring the Pirates 22-11 in the period. Senior forward Rhylan Alcanter had a major impact in the quarter, scoring eight of his 16 points, grabbing two rebounds and blocking a shot. The Eagles (15-7) forced six Platte County turnovers in the third and they totaled 5-points off of those to go into the fourth up 55-38. The Pirates didn’t get any closer than 13 points for the rest of the game as Grain Valley forced four more turnovers and stymied the Pirates with their suffocating defense on the perimeter. “That’s how we won games at the beginning of the year,” Owen Herbert said of the team pushing the pace on offense. “We knew we were going to score points at the beginning of the year. We have a lot of talent on this team. “When we were on our eight-game winning streak, we were getting eight to 10 steals a game. We did a really good job getting deflections today and Brock (Baker) was great on the wing.” On offense, Grain Valley had one of its best games of the season as four players reached double figures. Freshman point guard Eli Herbert led his team with 19 points, senior guard Owen Herbert added 13 and Troyer chipped in with 11. “I don’t know how many three we had, it was a lot,” Andy Herbert said. “We had multiple guys contribute. We have so many guys you have to guard. Who are they going to help off of?” Grain Valley senior Reece Troyer, middle, drives between two Platte County defenders. Photo credit: Michael Smith Grain Valley freshman Eli Herbert tries to keep the ball inbounds. Photo credit: Michael Smith Grain Valley senior Owen Herbert tries to drive past Platte County senior Boston Whaler. Photo credit: Michael Smith
Grain Valley News is now accepting nominations of kind Grain Valley residents who deserve a spotlight. Scout Coffee, whose mission is "coffee and kindness", is sponsoring this effort. Nominations will be accepted through Saturday, February 11th at www.grainvalleynews.com/kindness-awards.
Four honorees will be selected to be featured during National Random Acts of Kindness Week (2/14-20). Honorees will each receive a $25 gift card to Scout Coffee. by Michael Smith There’s dominance and then there’s what Grain Valley senior Madison Rogers did in Thursday’s Suburban Conference Championships. Rogers led the diving event in the White Conference from start to finish as she ended up with a score of 371.90 as she easily took first at Belton High School. Her score was 102 points ahead of second-place Nina Prince of Belton. “I felt pretty good about my diving,” Rogers said. “I tried a dive that was pretty new for me, but I feel like I could do better.” “It feels like a good way to end my senior year.” That new dive is her front 2 ½, one which she got a score of 5.5 from all five judges. Her best dive was her front 1 ½ pike. “I will take it,” Rogers said. “It’s a new dive I just learned this season. I haven’t had much time to work on it.” “I got sevens across on the front 1 ½ pike. I just hit it pretty good and felt good about it.” Grain Valley diving coach Shelly Pollock said that Rogers had improved since the beginning of the season and is confident her senior can push through to the state competition. “She’s been diving for a long time with club divers, which has been good for her,” Pollock said of Rogers. “We are just looking to change a few dives up and working on some things on the diving board.” Rogers’ teammate, senior Jadyn Jarman, took sixth with a score of 244.50. “They dove really well,” Pollock said of Rogers and Jarman. “We are still working on consistency on our approaches and they changed up a few dives. That is going to make things better for districts next week.” Grain Valley senior diver Madison Rogers won the Suburban White Conference diving title with a score of 371.90 Thursday at Belton High School. Photo credit: Michael Smith Grain Valley senior Jadyn Jarman took sixth with a score of 244.50. Photo credit: Michael Smith
Students at Grain Valley High School were placed under a "lock and teach" and access to nearby Sni-A-Bar Elementary was affected Friday morning due to an incident on the high school campus.
Reached for comment, the district shared a statement from Assistant Superintendent Dr. Nick Gooch that will be released to parents today. "This message is to inform you of an incident that occurred today at Grain Valley High School. At approximately 7:50 am, a student reported to the school administration that a young male was on campus at the high school who did not belong. The high school implemented a “lock and teach” and called in assistance from the Grain Valley Police Department. Law enforcement responded immediately and closed entrances to both the high school and Sni A Bar Elementary. During the lock and teach, additional information became available that the individual may have had a knife or blade. At 8:30 am the male was taken into police custody. He was not in possession of a knife or blade. The high school is no longer on lock and teach. We appreciate the quick response of our GVPD this morning, and the cooperation of students, staff, and anyone trying to access our school campus during this incident." Reached for comment, Grain Valley Police Department (GVPD) confirmed the male taken into custody was not in possession of a knife or blade. GVPD also stated the Jackson County Sheriff's Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol also responded to the incident at GVHS. Updated 11:50am 2/3/23 with details from GVPD. Grain Valley News will continue to monitor the story and provide additional details as they become available. |
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