Missouri Senators propose tax credit for homeschool and private school familiesby Annelise Hanshaw, Missouri Independent Missouri’s homeschool families and those enrolled in private schools could receive a tax credit for their educational expenses under legislation debated Tuesday by the Senate Education Committee. The credit would be capped at the annual state adequacy target, a number determined by the per-pupil expenditure of the highest performing school districts in the state. Currently, that amount is $7,145. The credit would be administered by the Missouri Department of Revenue. There is currently a tax-credit scholarship program overseen by the State Treasurer’s Office, called MOScholars, which provides a credit for donations to certain nonprofits that then disperse the money to families enrolling in private schools. The proposals debated on Tuesday, in contrast, would allow families to directly get a refund for expenses related to educating their children. State Sen. Rick Brattin, a Republican from Harrisonville and one of the bill’s sponsors, compared the structure to the gas tax refund, in which drivers can submit gas receipts to the state for reimbursement. The tax credit program would be a path for families to escape underperforming schools, said state Sen. Nick Schroer, a Republican from Defiance sponsoring a similar bill. “For decades, Missouri dramatically increased education spending, yet student outcomes continue to decline,” he said. “More money has not solved the problem in the state of Missouri, and it’s clear that a one-size-fits-all system for educating our youth is failing to educate many of our children.”
While the state education budget is due for an increase in the hundreds of millions this year, the formula that funds public schools has been relatively stagnant for over a decade with inflation outpacing any increases. Gov. Mike Kehoe, lawmakers and the State Board of Education have all called for an examination of the formula. Schroer began considering a homeschool tax credit when he was a state representative after hearing from homeschooling families about other states’ policies. “There are many individuals, whether it’s private school, homeschool or hybrid, who’ve indicated that they would like to at least recoup some of those expenses since they’re not utilizing the public school system,” he said. Brattin said his office received “an influx of opposition,” referring to homeschooling families worried about alterations to the state’s homeschool protections. Home educators have opposed tax credits and other public programs in recent years, saying they are worried about governmental oversight. Brattin said the idea that it would impose restrictions on homeschooling families is a “myth.” “Nothing in this bill is a requirement. Nothing in this bill is a database. Nothing in this bill is a list to take away rights, freedoms and liberties of individuals,” he said. “In fact, this only bolsters that and gives the full capability and freedom and liberty for families that want different options.” Despite his reassurance, the first person in opposition represented home educators. David Klarich, a lobbyist for the homeschooling group Family Covenant Ministries, said Missouri has “the best home education statute in the United States.” He asked for the bill to only apply to a separate category of home educators created last year in a large education package. “Those parents who want to participate in public schools or take public dollars may then do so, and there would be no concern about governmental intrusion because then those parents and students go wide-eyed into the governmental system and they can still participate,” Klarich said. He feared there would be “strings attached,” leading to curriculum oversight. State Sen. David Gregory, a Republican from Chesterfield, said he is “not seeing where the strings are attached.” Public education groups also had concerns. Otto Fajen, lobbyist for teachers’ union Missouri National Education Association, told committee members that the legislation could further restrict the amount of the state’s general revenue available for public education. “(This bill) is on its own, without connecting with what’s going on with the (public school funding) formula, what’s going on with minimum salaries, and kicks in quickly to offer this tax benefit for supporting educational expenditures and significantly affects state general revenues,” he said. A large education package passed a year ago has raised teacher salaries statewide with the help of general revenue and created a funding obligation of $200 million this year with all its provisions. Kehoe has also indicated he will push to eliminate the state’s income tax. If the governor’s plan succeeds, Fajen said, there will be no money available for the rebate. “It creates a lot of problems that you all will have to deal with through the budgeting process,” he said, “and that schools will have to deal with going forward.” The committee, which is chaired by Brattin, did not take action on the legislation Tuesday. GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.
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Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network 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]. 
Missouri Republicans seek to criminalize certain drag shows witnessed by childrenby Annelise Hanshaw, Missouri Independent For the third year in a row, Missouri Republicans are trying to place restrictions on drag performances. The effort has stalled in years past, clearing a House committee last year but never coming up for debate in the Senate. That changed Wednesday, when a Senate committee held a public hearing on legislation sponsored by state Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, that he argued was “geared towards protecting children from displays of sexual content.” The bill would make it a class-A misdemeanor to participate in an “adult cabaret performance” in a public area or other space where children might see. A repeat violation becomes a class-E felony. State Sen. Nick Schroer, a Republican from Defiance who chairs the Senate’s judiciary committee, discussed possible fixes to the bill’s definitions following opponent’s testifying that community theater could be impacted. The issue is a definition of “adult cabaret performance” that includes “male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to a prurient interest or similar entertainers.” Including “or similar entertainers,” opponents said, is too vague and may draw police to plays where women play male roles or a non-sexual performance by a transgender person. Chris Lehman, co-founder of LGBTQ-focused entertainment company Nclusion+, said there are already “safeguards in place for all-ages drag.” Lehman checks IDs before shows with racy performances, and kid-friendly routines are scrutinized to eliminate swearing and other mature content. Even music by Taylor Swift is censored and edited for a young audience, he said. Schroer said the bill was tailored to not ban age-designated spaces and asked Lehman if parents should be allowed to take children to a “topless strip club.” “Of course not,” Lehman said. “However, the rest of the bill language goes on and bundles everything together.” GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.
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Lawmakers criticized an Nclusion+ performance in 2023 where drag queens lip-synched to songs like “Hold on (for one more day)” by Wilson Phillips during a City of Columbia diversity event attended by middle-school students. Attorney General Andrew Bailey sent the city’s mayor and the Columbia Public Schools superintendent letters accusing them of trying “actively to undermine Missouri’s laws by deliberately subjecting a group of middle-school students to an adult-themed drag show performance.” Those letters have since been removed from the attorney general’s website. Schroer mentioned that letter when questioning Cara Carter, a theater teacher in Columbia. “It was alleged that kids were sent to a drag show on a field trip without parental consent,” he said. Carter said the event had drag performers but was not wholly a drag show. “I was in theater,” Schroer said. “And I think that we need to carefully define what we believe is drag that has the prurient interest and what doesn’t.” Carter uses content warnings when shows have depictions of violence or other mature matters, she said, adding that these disclosures are “a much cleaner way of doing this than straight up banning it entirely.” No one testified in favor of the bill, and the committee took no action on Wednesday. Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network 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]. by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society By 1880, the young village of Grain Valley was well established. With the train came a depot, a general store and, in 1879 the U. S. Post Office was established. During the 1880's more people “moved to town.” While some came from the small farms surrounding our town, many more came from eastern states and were just passing through, allowing for the fact that several of the early streets and roads around town were named for families that had departed by the turn of the century. The same can be said about the business owners and service providers. During the 1880s the families living here did establish a school and churches. In 1883 the Christian Church was established. Their first building was replaced by a large brick Church on the southwest corner of Main and Walnut Streets. When the building burned in the mid-1970's, the congregation relocated on Jefferson Drive, north of I-70, where it continued to serve our community serve until the early 2000s. It closed and was replaced by a non-denominational congregation. On July 11,1884, the Village of Grain Valley was incorporated. The same year, the First Baptist Church was established. In their early years, the Baptist Church shared space with the Christian Church. In 1889, a Church was built at the current location. The Methodist Episcopal church was established in 1889. Their old church on Capelle is now the oldest building in Grain Valley. Although the Capelle School was on the northern edge of town, near the end of the decade the residents of Grain Valley saw the need to build a school “in town.” The first school for grades 1-8 was constructed at the corner of Walnut and Capelle Streets. On land just north of the Methodist and across the street from the Baptist, they probably felt it was a safe space for their children to be educated!  Students, Faculty, and Board of Education Early Grain Valley School By the end of the decade, the town had grown. They now had two hotels –although one may have been a boarding house. They also had another general store (grocery), a druggist, and doctors. They had a barber shop, a shoe repair and shop owners. And for their livestock; a livery staple, a blacksmith and a wagon maker. Finally, they had a carpenter and a painter. What more could you need, or want? By the end of the decade, one source reported the population as 193 men, women and children. However, I can find no documentation for this figure. On January 10, 1921, a fire in the Commerce Department building, Washington, DC, resulted in the destruction of most of the 1890 census. Over 99% of the 1890 U.S. census was burned; of the 62,979,766 people enumerated in the census, the records of only 6,160 survived the fire. Later that month, the still-damp and singed remains of the original 1890 general population schedules were moved to a warehouse for temporary storage. The director of the Census at the time, Sam Rogers, recommended that the existing 1890 documents were unsalvageable and ought to be destroyed. They were finally destroyed in 1932. I currently have no way of knowing who was included in the 193 individuals counted. I also don’t have what land area was used for the count. I do know that the population in 1910 was only 133. Did the population shrink? Did the town size change? Where is the 1900 Census? If the weather cooperates I will try and find some answers before next week! Meanwhile, stay warm and keep cleaning out those drawers and closets; attics and basements. I look forward to your donations to the Grain Valley Historical Society SOON.   Aspen Reed, Grain Valley basketball 1. Favorite athlete? Addy Seyfert (her teammate on the Eagles basketball team) 2. Hero? My dad, Brandon 3. The perfect evening? Hanging out with my friends and family and people I love. 4. Favorite book? The "Hunger Games" series 5. Who do you want by your side in case there is a zombie apocalypse? The Avengers, especially the Hulk [Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News]  (StatePoint) The days of filing paper tax returns are gone, and criminals are taking advantage. With taxpayers managing their sensitive information online, thieves are finding new ways to scam victims. In 2023 alone, the IRS reported $5.5 billion lost to tax fraud schemes. And the increased prevalence of artificial intelligence means tax scams this year will likely be more sophisticated than ever.
Scammers have an arsenal of weapons, but no matter their tactics, the goal is the same – to have you give them money or access to it. Here are scams to look out for this tax season: Tax avoidance scams. These scams often promise rewards too good to be true. Scammers claim to have specialized knowledge on exploiting loopholes to avoid taxes or maximize returns. High-income filers are heavily targeted through offers of seemingly legitimate annuities or tax shelters. Refund scams. In this scam, a criminal will claim to be someone official notifying of an unclaimed or incorrectly calculated refund, prompting the victim to share information – and possibly bank account numbers – to claim it. Violation scams. This is a fear-based scam, where the criminal poses as an IRS official threatening some punitive action, claiming the victim committed a violation and needs to contact them to resolve the situation. Filing support scams. Similar to tech support scams, criminals offer to help create IRS accounts to assist with the online filing process. Frequently posing as tax preparers, scammers will go through the motions of gathering the victim’s personal information for tax forms they never intend to file. Social media scams. Social media serves as a great place for criminals to find potential victims and carry out tax scams, fraudulently claiming to offer different types of services or possessing unique knowledge or access. Recovery scams. Once a victim is scammed, criminals will try to strike again – believing the victim is gullible. Exploiting a time of vulnerability, they’ll contact the victim with promises of helping them recover their losses and will leverage this as an opening to commit additional crimes. While it is not always easy to pick out a scam, here are indicators to watch for: • Promise of a big pay-out. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Request for your account information. The IRS will never ask for your credit or debit account information over the phone. • Random contact. The IRS contacts taxpayers by mail first and will never contact via random phone calls or digital means. The IRS will not leave prerecorded, urgent, or threatening voicemails. • Demands or threats. The IRS can’t revoke your driver’s license, business licenses or immigration status and cannot threaten to immediately bring in local law enforcement. Taxpayers are allowed an appeals process, so any message of “now or else” won’t come from an official channel. • Request for you to click a weblink. Odd or misspelled web links can take you to harmful sites instead of IRS.gov. The IRS recommends these best practices to protect against tax fraud: • Get an early start. File early so criminals have less time to impersonate you. • Set up a verified account. Set up your own IRS account before someone else can and use an Identity Protection PIN – a six-digit number known only to you and the IRS. • Wait for written notice. Do not respond to any supposed communications from the IRS if you haven’t first received official notification through U.S. mail. If you get a call from someone claiming to be the IRS, hang up and call the official number on the website before engaging. Further, never click a link sent digitally as initial contact. Apply good cyber hygiene. Do not use public Wi-Fi when filing your tax returns. Do use strong passwords, secured network connections and multi-factor authentication. Run all software updates and keep systems current. If you fall victim to a tax scam, report it to the IRS. For more scam protection tips, visit PNC’s Security & Privacy Center at pnc.com. One wrong click can cause tremendous damage that ends up earning bad guys a windfall. However, a little caution can go a long way in helping you avoid a costly tax scam. The following information is derived from Grain Valley Police Department daily calls service log for the week of February 12-18, 2025. February 12, 2025 800 BLK NW CEDAR LN Extra Patrol 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol 1100 BLK NW HILLTOP LN Open Door-Structure 100 BLK NE MCQUERRY RD Alarm-Commercial 1200 BLK STOCKMAN CT Suspicious Activity PHQ Walk In Report 800 BLK SW COUNTRY HILL DR Agency Assist EMS 400 BLK WOODBURY DR Area Check JEFFERSON / EAGLE RIDGE Crash Blocking 100 BLK OAK ST Open Door-Structure SNI A BAR / SNI BAR Crash Non-Injury 1100 BLK NE MCQUERRY RD Follow Up Investigation PHQ Walk In Report 200 BLK NW PARKER DR Citizen Contact 400 BLK SW LAURA LN Disturbance-Physical PHQ Public Service 700 BLK N MAIN ST Follow Up Investigation 19600 BLK E 39TH ST Public Service 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol February 13, 2025 500 BLK N MAIN ST Alarm-Commercial 700 BLK N MAIN ST Follow Up Investigation JEFFERSON / JEFFERSON Motorist Assist 800 BLK SW COUNTRY HILL DR Animal Control 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Vehicle Maintenance PHQ Walk In Report PHQ Walk In Report 1100 BLK INDIAN CREEK DR Follow Up Investigation 1100 BLK SW SMITH ST Prisoner Transport 1000 BLK NW EAGLE RIDGE Suspicious Person 40/SNI A BAR Motorist Assist 1400 BLK NW BURR OAK LN Extra Patrol 700 BLK TALL CHIEF Disturbance-Physical February 14, 2025 PHQ Public Service 1400 BLK NW BURR OAK LN Security Check 7100 BLK S ARNETT RD Alarm-Residential 1400 BLK NW BURR OAK LN Security Check 40 / SNI BAR Animal At Large 400 BLK SW LAURA LN Open Door-Structure 400 BLK SW LAURA LN Parking Complaint/Viol PHQ Citizen Contact DILLINGHAM / ARGO Crash Non-Injury 500 BLK SW EAGLES PKWY Off Duty Assignment 1100 BLK NE MCQUERRY RD Suspicious Vehicle 1300 BLK NW BRENTWOOD DR Disturbance-Physical 900 BLK NW PERSIMMON CT Agency Assist EMS 700 BLK NW ALBATROSS DR Alarm-Residential 1000 BLK DEAN DR Disturbance-Verbal 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol February 15, 2025 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol 1100 BLK SW BLUE BRANCH DR Disturbance-Verbal PHQ Public Service PHQ Walk In Report 1400 BLK NW RED OAK CT Public Service 600 BLK W WALNUT / D Check Well Being 1000 BLK E RYAN RD Alarm-Commercial NW WOODBURY DR Extra Patrol SNI-A-BAR BLVD Extra Patrol 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol 2300 BLK NW MEGAN DR Alarm-Residential 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol SNI-A-BAR BLVD Extra Patrol February 16, 2025 900 BLK SW SANDY LN Suspicious Activity NW Woodbury Drive Extra Patrol 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Open Door-Structure E HARRIS Area Check 200 BLK NW JEFFERSON Vehicle Check 1100 BLK NE MCQUERRY RD Suspicious Activity 200 BLK SW EAGLES PKWY Citizen Contact 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol 800 BLK NW CEDAR LN Extra Patrol JEFFERSON / CHRISMAN FARM Extra Patrol NE HARRIS ST Extra Patrol PHQ Walk In Report PHQ Public Service 700 BLK SW LOGAN DR Harassment 1400 BLK NW EAGLES PKWY Security Check 1000 BLK SW EPHRAIM DR Suspicious Activity 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol NB BUCKNER TARSNEY / Front Area Check NW WOODBURY DR Extra Patrol 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol February 17, 2025 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol 800 BLK NW CEDAR LN Extra Patrol 500 BLK GREGG ST Alarm-Commercial 700 BLK SW CRESTVIEW TER Crash Left Scene 300 BLK VALLEY DR Follow Up Investigation 1300 BLK NW BRENTWOOD DR Agency Assist DFS PHELPS AND WOODBURY Area Check NW WOODBURY DR Extra Patrol 400 BLK SW ROCK CREEK LN Check Well Being 1100 BLK NW LONG DR Missing Person-Juvenile WB 70 / BROADWAY Agency Assist LE February 18, 2025 NE HARRIS ST Extra Patrol NW WOODBURY DR Extra Patrol EB 70 / 28.4 MM Agency Assist LE 1100 BLK BUSH DR Alarm-Commercial PHQ Walk In Report 200 BLK SW EAGLES PKWY Alarm-Commercial 18000 BLK E 39TH ST S Special Assignment-Funeral Detail/Escort 800 BLK STONEBROOK LN Check Well Being SNI A BAR / BUCKNER TARNEY Area Check 2200 BLK NW HEDGEWOOD DR Open Door-Structure 1000 BLK NW HILLTOP LN Animal Bite 700 BLK SW NELSON DR Area Check 300 BLK SW EAGLES PKWY Agency Assist Fire NW WOODBURY DR Extra Patrol 200 BLK YOUNG ST Agency Assist LE  by Joe Jerek, Missouri Department of Conservation The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS),the Missouri River Bird Observatory (MRBO), and the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF) invite both new and experienced birders to join in a special series of free birding webinars in preparation for the first ever Missouri Birding Challenge (MBC) -- May 1-15! The free webinars will introduce participants to birding and educate them on key issues around birds and bird conservation in Missouri. Register in advance for each webinar and then join the webinar live. Registered attendees will receive a reminder email before the webinar.
MORE ON THE MISSOURI BIRDING CHALLENGEThe Missouri Birding Challenge (MBC) has been created through a partnership among MDC, USFWS, MRBO, and the MCHF. MBC participants will compete alone or on a team in different birding categories based on their ages, birding experience, and comfort levels. Birders will use eBird (eBird.org) to record their lists of birds identified at public natural areas around the state, or even in their own backyards. There is a fee of $10-$25 per person or team depending on the category. Fees go toward migratory bird conservation efforts. Once participants complete a category, they will be entered into a drawing for fun, bird-related prizes such as binoculars and gift cards. The Columbia Audubon Society (columbia-audubon.org/) and the Missouri Birding Society (mobirds.org/) are prize sponsors of the MBC. Learn more about the MBC and related topics at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/activities/birdwatching/missouri-birding-challenge. Registration will be open April 1-30 through the webpage.  (StatePoint) Ever have that feeling of sluggishness that you can’t seem to shake? Did you know that it could be because your digestive system isn’t working optimally? For better digestive wellness, consider the following tips: Hone Your Diet: Eat a diverse diet and limit processed foods and added sugars. A well-rounded diet that prioritizes whole foods is typically high in fiber and other nutrients that promote a healthy gut. Some great choices include beans, seeds, fruits, broccoli, kimchi and avocados. Stay Hydrated: As you increase your fiber intake, be sure to drink plenty of water to support regularity and keep everything moving through your system. Your digestive system will thank you! Get Moving: Daily activity is a natural digestive aid. Exercise boosts circulation to deliver blood and oxygen to your digestive tract, helps you maintain a healthy metabolism, and keeps your digestive muscles strong. For greater digestive wellness, be sure to incorporate some movement into your routine. Manage Stress: The mind-body connection is powerful, and poor digestive health is just one of the many potential side effects of too much stress. Common stress management techniques include meditation, self-care, exercise and reaching out to loved ones. Get Quality Sleep: High-quality sleep is needed to keep all the systems of your body in tip-top shape, and your digestive system is no exception. The Mayo Clinic recommends that adults get more than 7 hours of sleep per night. Get a Massage: According to research, abdominal massage is a safe, easy remedy for occasional constipation that most people can do themselves. Take Fiber Supplements: Less than 10% of Americans get enough fiber from diet alone, making a fiber supplement an excellent way to boost your intake. Stay Consistent: New habits can be hard to adopt. To kickstart your commitment to digestive health and to stay motivated, try taking on the Metamucil Two Week Challenge. After you sign up on the brand’s website, you’ll receive an email every day for two weeks with tips, tricks, and reminders for taking your fiber supplement and for staying on track. Many of those who have taken the challenge felt noticeable results. In fact, in a survey of adults who completed the two-week challenge, a majority self-reported that they felt lighter. For more information and to sign up for the challenge, visit metamucil.com. “Psyllium fiber supplements have the potential to make a meaningful change in your digestive health when taken daily,” says Evan Smith, NA Metamucil brand director. “That’s why we’re excited to help people see just how amazing a healthy gut feels.” Try these simple steps to help support your digestive wellness so you can feel your best!  by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News Kansas City Mavericks goaltender Jack LaFontaine is so excited - and it has nothing to with his recent honor as he was named the Warrier Hockey ECHL Goaltender of the Week. He and his fiancee Riley added a new member to their family - an Australian Bernadoodle, whick prompted one of the league's top goalies to say, "We're glued to him." His name is David, after legendary rocker David Bowie, and he's settling in nicely with his new doggie mom and dad. "David's the best dog,' LaFontaine said. "We're having so much fun with him." LaFontaine has also been having fun in the net for the 31-12-4-1 Mavericks, who sit atop the Mountain Division with 67 points. LaFontaine went 3-0-0 with one shutout, a 0.96 goals-against average and a save percentage of .962 in three appearances last week. "I can't say enough good things about Jack," Mavericks coach Tad O'Had said. "He was excellent last week and has been excellent all season. He played when he was sick and the competitive side of Jack helped him get those three wins." The 27-year-old turned aside 20 shots in a 6-2 win at Allen on Wednesday, made 34 saves in a 3-1 win over Tulsa on Friday and stopped all 22 shots in a 1-0 shootout win against the Oilers on Saturday. Under contract to Coachella Valley of the American Hockey League, LaFontaine is 13-4-1 in 19 appearances with the Mavericks this season, ranking seventh in the ECHL with a 2.20 goals-against average. He has also gone 1-0-1 in two outings with the Firebirds. "He has elevated his game, and in turn, our team play was elevated," O'Had said. "Our defense has been very solid, and we had enough offense to win those three games." "The guys have been playing great in front of me," said LaFontaine, who always turns the spotlight in the direction of his teammates. "I don't see being in the net as a challenge, I see it as an opportunity. I have to be up to the task mentally and physically and every time I play I see it as an opportunity to get better and to help the Mavericks win a game. The Mavericks extended their point streak to eight with a commanding 6-2 win over the Americans at Allen, Texas Wednesday. A fast start propelled the Mavericks to victory as they scored three goals in the opening period and controlled play throughout the night. Kansas City wasted no time getting on the board. Chase Spencer opened the scoring at 7:18 of the first period, assisted by Nolan Sullivan and David Cotton. The Mavericks continued to apply pressure, adding another goal at 15:07 when Cade Borchardt buried a feed from Max Andreev and Justin MacPherson. Before the period ended, Damien Giroux extended the lead to 3-0 at 18:59, capitalizing on an assist from Luke Loheit and Chase Spencer. Allen responded early in the second period as Brayden Watts put the Americans on the board at 1:38. However, Kansas City responded at 14:53, with Giroux netting his second goal of the night, set up by Cotton and MacPherson. The Mavericks continued their offensive push, as Casey Carreau added another at 18:59, assisted by Andreev and Marcus Crawford, giving Kansas City a 5-1 lead heading into the final frame. In the third period, the Mavericks struck again at 6:56 when MacPherson found the back of the net, assisted by Charlie Wright and Cotton. Allen managed a late goal at 19:25, but it was too little, too late. Kansas City outshot Allen 33-22, including a dominant 14-shot first period. LaFontaine turned aside 20 of 22 shots. The night also saw a franchise milestone, as Borchardt moved into fifth place in Mavericks franchise history with 55 career goals. Cotton scored twice to propel the Mavericks to a 3-1 win over the Tulsa Oilers Friday night at Cable Dahmer Arena. The Mavericks overcame a slow start and leaned on Cotton’s scoring touch and strong goaltending from LaFontaine to secure the victory. Tulsa struck first at 2:18 of the opening period, as Austin Albrecht scored to give the Oilers a 1-0 lead. The Mavericks responded late in the period when Cotton found the back of the net at 16:40. After a scoreless second period, Cotton delivered again at 3:54 of the third, scoring the go-ahead goal with assists from Crawford and Jackson Berezowski. Less than four minutes later, Giroux added an insurance goal at 7:28, set up by Cam Morrison and MacPherson, sealing the Mavericks' win. The Oilers outshot the Mavericks 35-33, but LaFontaine stood tall, making 34 saves to earn the win. The Mavericks secured a thrilling 1-0 shootout victory over the Oilers Saturday night Cable Dahmer Arena, with Borchardt scoring the lone shootout goal. The Mavericks outshot Tulsa 29-22 but couldn't solve Oilers goalkeeper Talyn Boyko until Borchardt sealed the win in the shootout. Adding to the night’s excitement, the Mavericks celebrated their successful 2023-24 season during the first intermission by raising banners for their Brabham Cup title, Mountain Division championship and Western Conference championship. "We have 10 players on this year's team who were with us last season, and it's long overdue to have them look up in the arena and see those banners," O'Had added. With the win, the Mavericks extended their point streak to 10 games and maintained their position atop the Mountain Division standings. Kansas City's 10-game point streak came to an end Sunday afternoon with a 2-1 loss to the Tulsa Oilers at the BOK Center. Kansas City struck first when Giroux scored at 1:56 of the first period, assisted by Cam Morrison and Jackson Berezowski. However, Tulsa responded quickly with goals from Austin Albrecht (9:47) and Olivier Dame-Malka (13:38) to take the lead. Despite outshooting the Oilers 34-33, the Mavericks couldn’t find the equalizer through the final two periods. Logan Neaton, making his season debut for the Mavericks, stopped 31 of 33 shots on goal while Boyko turned away 33 shots. The game marked a milestone for Mavericks’ head athletic trainer Nick Potter, who celebrated his 650th game with the team.   Photo credit: Kansas City Mavericks  by Bill Althaus Explosive first and fourth quarters gave a hometown crowd of 4,358 fans plenty to cheer about as the Kansas City Comets defeated visiting St. Louis 8-5 in the final game of their I-70 Cup Series Sunday afternoon at Cable Dahmer Arena. The Comets scored three goals in the first quarter, only to see the Ambush score four consecutive goals to take a 4-3 lead going into the first minute of the fourth quarter. Kansas City then scored five goals in the final 14 minutes of play to set the stage for a joyous celebration as they were presented the I-70 Cup Series trophy. Kansas City won four of the five games against the Ambus this season. The Comets actually secured the series with a 5-4 win New Year's Eve in St. Louis. "We clinched the cup in St. Louis but wanted the trophy presentation to be here at home," coach Stefan Stokic said. "When you play against a team five times, it becomes repetition. It becomes tough to play against the same guys. I think our quality was not good enough in the offensive third; our execution was not good enough. "But we came back strong and got a big win at home." With retired players from both sides of the I-70 Series on hand for Retro Night, including a quartet of iconic former stars Enzo DiPede, Gino Schiraldi, Alan Mayer and Kim Roentved, the Comets offense exploded minutes the game. Henry Ramirez started the scoring by striking the ball into the top corner after Zach Reget sent a perfect pass off the boards. "That's a tribute to (all-time Comets leading scorer) Leo Gibson," said Reget, who also scored a goal in the game. "Henry finished it off. That was a great way to start the game." It was Ramirez's third goal of the season. "What an assist from Zach," said Ramirez, who was carried around the field by Reget after scoring the goal. "It was a great start. We had the big first quarter, then had to regroup to win the game in the fourth quarter." The Comets quickly added another pair of goals when Christian Anderaos and Rian Marques scored to put the Comets ahead 3-0. Then, the Comets offense disappeared. With four straight goals in the second, third and fourth quarters, St. Louis led 4-3 a minute into the final 15 minutes of action. "We had great first and fourth quarters," said Leo Acosta, who gave Kansas City a 5-4 lead at 9:20 of the fourth quarter. "We knew we had to win this game for our fans and we found a way to do it. It was an exciting end of the game." Shortly after Duduca Carvalho's strike early in the fourth quarter put the Ambush ahead 4-3, the Comets found their footing once again. Marques passed the ball to Reget who scored to tie game 4-4. Acosta then scored the Comets' go-ahead goal on a swift counterattack. Nacho Flores made it a 6-4 game at 13:31. But this contest was far from over. The Ambush brought in a sixth attacker and got back in the game when Dylan Hundelt's goal at 1:24 made it a 6-5 game. But the Comets offense regained control as Marques and Mikey Lenis scored in the final minute. Marques has 19 goals and a league-best 17 assists. "It was up and down, up and down," said Marques, who finished with two goals and an assist. "We're up 3-0, then we trail 4-3. It wasn't the prettiest win of the season, but a win is a win. And we did it at home for our fans." The 10-1-2 Comets have won five in a row and are in third place, behind Chihuahua and San Diego - two teams Kansas City has defeated this season. Phillip Ejimadu stood tall in the net, and collected his eighth win of the season. "A big win for many reasons," said Ejimadu, who is tied for first in the MASL with a 4.42 goals against average and is second place with the eight wins. "We got off to that great start, then our offense struggled until the fourth quarter. "But all that really matters is that we won. And we won playing for the best fans in the league." Goalkeeper Nicolau Neto played the second half of the MASL All-Star game, with his team capturing a 7-3 victory, Wednesday night in Utica City, New York. In a new format, players were selected for their respective teams in a drawing. Neto and Acosta played against a team coached by Stokic, that included Marques, Reget, Flores and Vandegriffe. "I got a goal against Neto," a grinning Marques said, "but his team beat ours. He and Acosta have the bragging rights. But it was fun to play against Neto other than when we practice." Neto was thrilled to be on the winning team, which did give him bragging rights. "I play against all those guys in practice," Neto quipped, "I knew what was coming before they shot the ball. Seriously though, it was great to have so many members of the Comets on the two all-star teams. We're doing a lot of great things this season and it's an honor to be recognized for our success." Stokic, who directed Team Perera, said it was special to participate in the game. "It was an honor to coach at the all-star game, and it was an honor to have six of our players make the all-star teams. Those guys have worked hard and deserve the recognition."  Kansas City Comets all-star Rian Marques signs autographs and poses for photos after an 8-5 victory over the St. Louis Ambush Sunday afternoon at Cable Dahmer Arena. Marques scored two goals and added an assist. Photo credit: Bill Althaus
by Bill Althaus As the final seconds ticked off the scoreboard clock at Grain Valley High School's gymnasium Friday night, five seniors enjoyed a memorable finish to a 62-40 Senior Night victory over Belton. Pyper Hartigan, Navaeh Clausen, Ava Ferguson, Cam Kelly and Cara McHardie celebrated the big win while their teammates applauded and cheered from the bench. Another senior, Keyanna Bullock, played earlier in the game and celebrated from the bench as had a minor injury. "The last couple of minutes provided all the seniors a special moment," said Kelly, who finished with five points, while dominating the Pirates guards defensively. "To have five seniors out there at the end of our game gave all of us a memory we'll never forget." The Eagles improved to 20-1 on the season and 10-0 in conference play. When asked how many consecutive 20-win seasons his Eagles have enjoyed, coach Randy Draper said, "Let me check on that. I know it's been quite a few." Winning and Eagles girls basketball have been synonymous for more than a decade. And two sophomores made sure their senior teammates would enjoy their special night at Addy Seyfert scored a game-high 20 and Bella Bollinger added 12. Ironically, Seyfert caught fire and scored 12 of her 20 points in the third quarter while Bellinger followed with a 12-point fourth quarter. "This night is for our seniors," Seyfert said. "We got off to that (11-2) start and never let up. This was a game all of us wanted to win, and we used a team effort to do it." Bollinger said the fourth quarter kept from a disappointing performance on Senior Night. "I had an off night until the fourth quarter," Bollinger said. "Then, when I made my first shot in the fourth quarter I felt more confident and finally started scoring some points. But this was a night for celebrating our seniors - and I'm glad I was finally able to contribute after not having much to offer for three quarters." Belton did not hit a basket in the first quarter, scoring two points on free throws. The Pirates first basket came at 3:31 of the second 1quarter when Amaya Crowder hit a 3-pointer. She finished with four 3-point baskets and a team-high 19 points. "Games like this are a lot of fun, especially when you win them," Draper said. "This group is special. First, they're great young ladies to coach and be around. I've had as much fun coaching this year's team as I have any of the other teams I've coached over the years. "It's nice to get that 20th win on Senior Night, it was fun to watch our seniors out there at the end of the game."  Seniors on the Grain Valley High School girls basketball team, from left, Pyper Hartigan, Navaeh Clausen, Ava Ferguson, Cam Kelly, Cara McHardie and Keyanna Bullock were able to share the excitement of the Eagles' 62-40 Friday night Senior Night victory over visiting Belton. Coach Randy Draper sent five of the six seniors onto the court for the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Bullock would have been a part of the recognition, but she was out with a minor injury. She did play earlier in the game. Photo credit: Bill Althaus  Photo credit: Bill Althaus
by Bill Althaus
Grain Valley High School seniors Aaron Barr and Tucker Hughes had a lot of success from downtown on Senior Night, but the Eagles let an early 10-point lead slip away as the visiting Belton Pirates used a 21-point fourth quarter to claim a 57-53 victory. Barr hit five 3-pointers and finished with 15 points while Hughes added three 3-pointers and nine points as the Eagles fell to 11-8 and 9-1, losing their first conference game of the season. Much of Belton's defensive effort targeted Eli Herbert, who is second in the Metro Area with a 23-points-per-game average. He finished with nine hard-fought points. Any time the junior guard had the ball, there were two Pirates shadowing his every move. With his basketball savvy and skill, Herbert was able to dish the ball off to his teammates as the Eagles held a 53-52 lead with 2:05 left in the game. Belton scored its final five points on a Alek Colombo steal at :36, which resulted in a lay up. He then added two free throws and Jayce Maiden hit a free throw to seal the victory. "We were all super charged up for tonight's game," Hughes said. "Tuesday night I hit three 3-pointers and I hit three again tonight. As a senior, I wanted to make a contribution tonight, and we gave it all we had, and just came up four points short." Belton led 13-11 after one quarter, but the Eagles led 28-18 at halftime. Grain Valley managed to take a 39-36 lead into the final eight minutes of play before the Pirates hit four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and were seven-of-eight from the line. "You always want to see your seniors get a win on Senior Night, but that didn't happen tonight. We're going to watch some film and correct some things and we'll be ready for our next game," said coach Andy Herbert, Eli's father. "Eli's frustrated, and he is so unselfish, so while he struggled to score, he made sure his teammates got the ball so they could have a scoring opportunity. "This is Tucker's second big game with three 3-pointers and Aaron had another nice game. They're tough kids who will do anything they can to help us win." Cooper Shrum led the Pirates with 16 points while Caleb Campbell added 12. Jackson County is hosting “A Place for All People: Introducing the National Museum of African American History and Culture”, a special poster display from the Smithsonian Institution. This educational and inspiring exhibit will be hosted at the Fort Osage Education Center, providing a deeper understanding of African American history and the significance of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The exhibit is open Wednesday – Sunday from 9:00am – 4:30pm through February 28th at the Fort Osage Education Center, 105 Osage Street, Sibley, MO 64088. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for Seniors and Children (5-13). "Black History Month is a time to celebrate and amplify the artistic voices within our community," Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said. "We are proud to partner with the International African American Art Museum of Kansas City and the Smithsonian Institution to bring these powerful exhibits to our community. Despite ongoing efforts to silence diverse voices, Jackson County remains steadfast in its commitment to celebrating diversity, fostering inclusion and honoring the rich history and culture of all communities by engaging and inspiring residents through public exhibits and educational programs."  The following information is derived from Grain Valley Police Department daily calls service log for the week of February 5-11, 2025. February 5, 2025 EB 70 / BB Agency Assist LE WB70 / E CITY Agency Assist LE 2100 BLK NW SYCAMORE LN Dead Body 2700 BLK NE MCBAINE DR Administrative 300 BLK S BROADWAY ST Recovered Stolen Auto 200 BLK CYPRESS ST UNIT A Disturbance-Verbal 1400 BLK NW OLYMPIC DR Alarm-Commercial PHQ Public Service 1500 BLK SHALE CT Public Service 900 BLK NW BAYTREE DR Public Service YENNIE / KIRBY Area Check 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol 1400 BLK EAGLES PKWY Security Check NW WOODBURY DR Extra Patrol ROSEWOOD Extra Patrol February 6, 2025 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol 300 BLK NW YENNIE ST Residence Check EAGLE RIDGE DR / NW HIGH VIEW DR Extra Patrol SNI-A-BAR BLVD Extra Patrol 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol 2100 BLK NW SYCAMORE LN Alarm-Residential 500 BLK BROADWAY Check Well Being 900 BLK SW RYAN RD Information BB / DUNCAN Agency Assist LE MAIN / BROADWAY Suspicious Person JEFFERSON / EAGLE RIDGE DR Area Check 100 BLK SNI-A-BAR BLVD Meeting 200 BLK NW CYPRESS ST Citizen Contact 400 BLK SW MONTANA RIDGE DR Animal Bite 800 BLK NW HICKORY RIDGE DR Suspicious Activity 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol WOODBURY Extra Patrol 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol February 7, 2025 HIGH VIEW Extra Patrol 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol 600 BLK NW WHITNEY DR Open Door-Structure 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol NW WOODBURY DR Extra Patrol 200 BLK NW JEFFERSON Animal At Large 1110 BLK N BUCKNER TARSNEY RD Check Well Being 500 BLK SE SALEM ST Parking Complaint/Viol 900 BLK SW RYAN RD Administrative 900 BLK SW RYAN RD Administrative 700 BLK N MAIN ST Disturbance-Physical 300 BLK NW WOODBURY DR Follow Up Investigation 500 BLK NW WOODBURY DR Follow Up Investigation WB 70 AT BOTTOM OF GV RAMP Motorist Assist 500 BLK S BUCKNER TARSNEY RD Crash Left Scene 1400 BLK NE AMANDA JEAN WAY Suspicious Person 500 BLK SW EAGLES PARKWAY Off Duty Assignment 600 BLK NW YENNIE AVE Check Well Being 40 / SNI A BAR Crash Injury PHQ Public Service 200 BLK CROSS CREEK LN Check Well Being PHQ Public Service NW JEFFERSON / NW PAMELA Crash Unknown February 8, 2025 JEFFERSON ST Extra Patrol 35000 BLK E OLD HWY 40 Vehicle Check 700 BLK SW JOSEPH CIR Suspicious Vehicle BUSH AND JEFFERSON Extra Patrol PHQ Walk In Report PHQ Agency Assist LE 900 BLK NW PERSIMMON CT Follow Up Investigation JEFFERSON AND PAMELA Extra Patrol PHQ Standby to Prevent MAIN / JEFFERSON Motorist Assist NW SILVERSTONE CIR / LONG DR Animal Neglect THIEME/YENNIE Suspicious Person MAIN/RR TRACKS Motorist Assist 100 BLK NW PARKER DR Animal Control February 9, 2025 1100 BLK VALLEY RIDGE DR Security Check WB 39/BALTIMORE Fail To Yield 700 BLK N MAIN ST Area Check 1100 BLK N BUCKNER TARSNEY RD Alarm-Commercial WB 70 OFF RAMP TO GV Area Check 1000 BLK DEAN DR Disturbance-Verbal PHQ Public Service PHQ Public Service SNI A BAR / EPHRAIM DR Crash Non-Injury 2100 BLK NW SYCAMORE LN Alarm-Residential JEFFERSON AND CHRISMAN FARM Extra Patrol SALEM Suspicious Activity 900 BLK NW MAPLEWOOD CT Fireworks 1700 BLK NW MINOS DR Check Well Being AA HWY/MINTER Sound of Shots PHQ Walk In Report 1100 BLK N BUCKNER TARSNEY RD Check Well Being February 10, 2025 700 BLK SW HARVEST CIR Missing Person-Juvenile 800 BLK SW WOODLAND DR Abandoned Vehicle 400 BLK ELIZABETH ST Agency Assist LE 900 BLK NW BIRCH CT Repossession 900 BLK NW PERSIMMON CT Suspicious Vehicle 1100 BLK NW CASEY BLVD Extra Patrol 700 BLK N MAIN ST Citizen Contact 600 BLK NW YENNIE AVE Harassment 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol 400 BLK SW ROCK CREEK LN Agency Assist EMS 1400 BLK NW EAGLES PKWY Security Check 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol NW BLK HIGH VIEW DR Extra Patrol February 11, 2025 NW WOODBURY DR Extra Patrol 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol 1100 NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol NW WOODBURY DR / CEDAR DR Extra Patrol 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol NW WOODBURY DR Extra Patrol 500 BLK SW EAGLES PARKWAY Information 300 BLK SW EAGLES PKWY APT 3208 Burglary PHQ Vehicle Maintenance; Administrative 1600 BLK NE ANDEON ST Fraud 10 BLK NE TUDOR RD Prisoner Transport 700 BLK SW HARVEST CIR Citizen Contact 700 BLK N MAIN ST Court 800 BLK VALLEY WOODS DR Disturbance-Verbal 400 BLK FRONT ST Parking Complaint/Viol 501 woodbury Parking Complaint/Viol 900 BLK HIGHVIEW DR Parking Complaint/Viol 800 BLK VALLEY WOODS DR 911 Hang Up 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol NW WOODBURY DR Extra Patrol Additional calls for service: Suicidal subject: 3 Order of protection: 1 by Bill Althaus
For more than four decades I've been covering high school, collegiate and professional sports in Eastern Jackson County and Metro Kansas City and it's time for me to say thank you. I would like to invite coaches, players, teachers, administrators, parents and family members to my Retirement Party. This Saturday, Feb. 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Grain Valley Community Center, please drop by, grab a snack and sandwiches from Vito's Pizza and let's talk about our favorite memories. My wife Stacy and her friends are the hosts, and I know it's going to be a great event. I hope everyone who has played a role in my life - professionally and personally - has time visit me and my family. I retired after 43 years at The Examiner and am now working with Cory and John Unrein on of the Grain Valley News staff, hosting the Sonic Locker Room and putting the final touches on a podcast with my buddy Tony Stevens, an icon for more than 40 years at KFKC radio in Kansas City. Let's hope the weather cooperates and we can catch up Saturday. |
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