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by Cole Arndorfer The Grain Valley Schools Board of Education met on Thursday, March 14th for its monthly business meeting. To start the meeting, the board recognized boys and girls wrestling state qualifiers. Ten qualifiers were recognized as well as coach Donald Horner. Girls swim and dive state qualifiers were then recognized. 11 qualifiers and head coach Julie Reilly were honored by the board. Following recognitions, the board moved into reports starting with the teacher salary and benefits report from Kourtney Michael and Michelle Kennedy of the Salary and Benefits Committee. Kennedy told the board that the committee is proposing reclassifying leave and increasing payout for leave. Currently, staff members are given nine sick days and three personal days each year. By reclassifying leave, the committee would like to drop the designation of “sick days” or “personal days,” leaving staff members with 12 days of paid leave each year. Kennedy emphasized that the committee is not asking the board for more days off, rather just dropping the classifications of the existing days. As for the increased payout for leave, the current payout is $60 per day. Michael said that the committee is proposing an increase in that payout to $180. The goal of this is to make those saved leave days a financial benefit to teachers rather than it being more of a benefit to use all of them, thus creating a strain on the substitute needs in buildings. Following this, Superintendent Dr. Brad Welle gave his monthly report to the board. Welle opened by highlighting the fact that the April 2 election including the district’s tax levy measure is quickly approaching. Welle said that the feedback they have received from the public so far has been positive in nature. Welle also reported the high school is looking forward to taking possession of the new weight room in April. When the high school moves into the new weight room, the current temporary weight room will be updated into the new varsity locker room. Welle also raised school lunch debt for discussion. The board as well as Dr. Gooch will be brainstorming ideas to help lower the debt in this area. Finally, Welle highlighted the safety audit. Certain findings were highlighted and at a future meeting the board will attempt to have a representative present to go over the findings in depth and answer questions from the board. Next, the board moved into unfinished business with an action item on the board scholarships for this year. After reading through 48 applications, 16 winners were chosen and the board approved 16 awards of $1,000 scholarships. The winners will be announced in a ceremony in the spring. Then the board moved into new business. The first item in this section was the intent resolution of $3 million. Dr. Welle explained that with the passage of this item, the board is essentially giving consent to administration to continue paying for the projects around the district with the understanding that they will issue $10 million in bonds in April. The next item in new business was the setting of the preliminary non-binding tax rate. Welle explained that this is something that is required of the board by Jackson County and it will not necessarily be the binding tax rate that will be set in the fall. The board set this initial rate at the 2023 tax rate with the understanding that it will likely change by the time they are required to set it in the fall. The third item under new business was an action item to commission a demographic study by Business Information Services LLC. This item was approved. The final item under new business was a discussion over the 2024-2025 budget projection. The board was presented with an outline of expenses the district knew they were going to incur such as the need for a new custodian at the high school, increases to teacher salaries, and the addition of various safety upgrades. Some of these items the district is unsure of the dollar amount at this time, but the goal is for the board to receive a solid idea of the budget proposal as soon as April before the final vote at the end of June. Following new business, the board moved into the board policies section. In this section, the board heard the third read on a series of policies recommended by the Missouri School Boards’ Association. The main updates in these policies are to reflect the changes in laws regarding medical marijuana. The general theme for these policies is that whether one is a staff member, student, or visitor, they are not to be in possession or under the influence of drugs. This series of policies was approved. Following this, the board moved into executive session. The next Board of Education meeting will be held on Thursday, April 18, at 6 pm in the Leadership Center.  by Michael Smith The inaugural season of the Grain Valley boys volleyball team could not have gone much better. Tuesday’s game against St. Joseph Central was the Eagles first Missouri State High School Activities Association sanctioned contest in program history. Before, Grain Valley had just a club team. The Eagles showed their experience as they swept the Eagles 25-21, 25-13,25-19 victory over the Indians at Grain Valley North Middle School. The team appeared to have good chemistry as setters Jordan Jackson and Lane Olivarez set up Eagles’ hitters well throughout the contest. “I think the consistency (from the setters) worked really well for us tonight,” Grain Valley head coach Tori Squiers said. “All of the sets were high enough for our hitters to get to. Each setter is a hitter, too. They did a great job leading the court and keeping everyone organized.” While Grain Valley had a dominant performance, senior Maddox Dressler admitted there were some growing pains early on. “At the beginning, our energy was a little bit off. We didn’t feel like we were playing together,” Dressler said. “We started out slower than we would have liked. I think we should have one by a little bit more,” Dressler said, “but it’s nice to get the first win Grain Valley has ever had.” “But in the second and third game, we started playing with each other like we have been doing this for a long time.” Jackson echoed similar sentiments. “Between the first and the third sets, we learned we could play together, and we can be successful,” Jackson said. “We are all good friends, so the communication factor is there.” The Eagles trailed early in the first game and trailed 11-8 early on, but the Eagles outscored Central 17-10 the rest of the way as aces from Nathan Morgester. Josiah Oehlke highlighted the comeback as they took the first set. Dressler rattled off six kills in the second game which led to his team cruising to a 25-13 win there. Then he and Jackson combined for six kills in the third game as the team rolled to closing out the third set. “Jordan and I are probably going to go to the same college for volleyball,” Dressler said. “It’s so fun playing with him.” Dressler led the Eagles with 12 kills and five digs. Jackson added six kills and two aces. Olivarez chipped in with a team-high 22 assists. “Those two have been some key players for us in the past,” Squiers said of Dressler and Jackson. “They are continuing to grow. They hit the ball really hard, and they do a great job of seeing the other side of the floor really well and hitting the holes.”  Grain Valley senior Josiah Oehlke prepares to serve the ball. Photo credit: Michael Smith  Sophomore Nathan Morgester gets down on one knee to bump the ball during a 25-21, 25-13, 25-19 victory over St. Joseph Central in Grain Valley's first MSHSAA sanctioned high school match. Photo credit: Michael Smith  by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society  Along Walnut Street, Circa Early 1900s According to the Grain Valley Property Tax book, in 1920, this house was owned by A. O Thieme. His land was described as “f .25/100 S. Beginning NW Corner Lot 6 Davis Place W. 80 feet S. 140 ft. #. 80 ft. N. 140 ft to beginning. It was listed as “Grain Valley Irregular,“ meaning it was not part of any platted addition. Also written in the tax book was the following information: Section 35, Township 49, Range 30. In 1920, Mr. Thieme paid $6.00 in taxes on this house, occupied by Mrs. Vermillion. By 1924, the house was owned by Mrs. Mary C. Banks and W. H. Gardner and the tax was only $4.50. The tax levy was 25-cents which I can only assume was on each $100 of assessed valuation. By 1933, still listed as “irregular,” the property must have been split as Mr. Gardner paid $4 on part of the property and Albert M White also paid $4 for his share. It remained that way for a few years. Mr. White ran a grocery store on the east side of Main Street. Fast forward to the 1940s and these two properties were owned by Aurlie Wylee and Charles R. Steele. Taxes on the house in the photograph were paid by Mr. Wylee. The last record I have for 1944 shows the property was still listed as” irregular” and the taxes of $3.30 were paid by Fred M. Roberts. Last week, while taking a walk on Walnut Street, I saw a former classmate, Mike Feagans. He and his wife are the current occupants of this cute old house. He told me his daughter had wondered why there were two front doors. Mike was able to tell her about “the parlor.” We didn’t discuss taxes, but I’m thinking they pay a bit more than $3.30!  (StatePoint) Many factors impact your child or teen’s wellness, including where you live, genetics and other influences. According to experts though, you can encourage a healthy lifestyle for your child, and help prevent obesity and other illnesses that can extend into adulthood. “Raising a healthy, active child is about much more than nutrition and physical activity,” says Natalie D. Muth, a pediatrician and registered dietician. “It also entails adequate sleep, a positive approach to screen use and social-emotional wellness, and to the best of your ability, helping ensure your surrounding environment supports healthy routines.” At a time when few children and adolescents meet the recommendations for nutrition and activity, a new clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), “The Role of the Pediatrician in the Promotion of Healthy, Active Living,” offers guidance to help optimize a child’s health regardless of their weight, as well as strategies based on the best science that can also help prevent obesity at every stage, from infancy through adolescence. Here are some practical tips from the AAP that you can use to tackle issues within your control: • Learn about good nutrition. Visit MyPlate.gov for great ways to take a team approach to planning and making meals so that kids have an active role in what they eat. The site takes into account cultural traditions, giving examples of healthy meals that include familiar foods. • Reach for water. Sugary drinks such as 100% fruit juice, sodas, sports drinks and fruit drinks, account for 24% of added sugar intake in the U.S. diet in people 1 year and older. Consumption contributes significantly to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes and other health risks, according to USDA statistics. Ideally, aim for one sugary drink or fewer per week. Bonus: drinking water cleanses teeth and gums, preventing cavities now while setting the stage for lifelong dental health. • Limit ultra-processed foods. It may not be realistic to avoid ultra-processed foods altogether, but try to limit their access and help children and adolescents learn the benefits of eating whole foods like fruits and vegetables. You can also talk with them about the health risks of too much “junk food,” which is generally loaded in sugar and salt, doesn’t increase feelings of fullness, and prompts overeating. • Adopt a family media plan. Everyone benefits from sensible screen time limits that make room for healthy activities. Engage kids in creating a plan for the whole family. • Move more. It can be challenging to get up and move more, but when you make it a priority, kids benefit. Organized sports aren’t the only option. Your family can also enjoy walking, biking, swimming and dancing. Indoors, you can try active gaming or online fitness classes to strengthen muscles, build coordination and release tension. • Manage stress. If your schedule is jammed with so many commitments that there’s no room for healthy downtime, consider what you can let go. Rest rebuilds the body’s systems after the challenges of a tough day or week, so reserve time for it. • Lean on support. Not all neighborhoods have safe places for children to play and walk to school, or offer nutritious and affordable food nearby. Additionally, factors like racism, toxic stress, housing or food insecurity and safety risks can impact your child’s health. Creating a safe environment at home, and leaning on the support of schools, health care systems and the wider community can create a healthier life for your child. One important resource is your pediatrician. Talk to them about ways to support an active, healthy lifestyle for your child. For more tips and resources, visit healthychildren.org. “Remember that feeling loved, seen and appreciated are just as central to your child’s health as nutrition and exercise. The brain and the body are one system – so when kids feel safe and secure, their bodies function well,” says Dr. Muth.  by Phil Hanson, President & CEO, Truman Heartland Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is Truman Heartland Community Foundation’s “school of philanthropy.” YAC was designed to empower local high school students to become tomorrow's leaders by impacting their communities today. Through YAC, students gain a greater understanding of some of the pressing issues affecting their communities, learn about and participate in the foundation’s grant-making process, and give back through volunteering and community service projects. YAC fosters collaboration and cooperation and teaches these future community leaders how to work effectively with a diverse range of students from schools throughout the area. The students' most recent service project was their annual food drive. YAC students were up early on a brisk Saturday morning. It may have been chilly, but the spirit of generosity quickly warmed them as they collected nonperishable food and household items from patrons shopping at one of the four participating Hy-Vee stores in the area. Their efforts were met with an overwhelmingly positive response from the community, who generously donated thousands of items. From toilet paper and toothpaste to spaghetti and cereals, shoppers were generous with their kind words and smiles, too. The items collected were distributed to individuals and families in need through Raytown Emergency Assistance Program (REAP), Community Services League, and Lee’s Summit Social Services. This food drive is always a feel-good event, as both the YAC students and their adult volunteers get the opportunity to see first-hand the positive impact they can have on the lives of their neighbors. Another exciting activity for these student leaders is the Youth Advisory Council’s Annual Fundraiser, Strike in the Night - Cosmic Caring Changing the Universe. This highly anticipated bowling event will take place on the evening of Saturday, April 27. It's sure to be a night full of trivia, games, food, and, of course, cosmic bowling. The proceeds from this family-friendly event will go to the YAC endowment fund, which will provide additional funds to be distributed during the foundation’s grant process later this year. The event promises to be a fun-filled evening for all. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for those who want to get involved. Youth philanthropy is a vital part of any community, yet it is often overlooked in favor of more competitive high school activities. If you know of a student who has a big heart, likes giving back, and wants to meet students from other schools in a cooperative setting, YAC may be the perfect fit! Colleges and employers like to see extracurricular activities on student resumes and applications. YAC is the ideal way to show personal drive and community commitment. Have your student reach out to the YAC Team Leader at their school, visit our website at www.thcf.org/students, or reach out to Diana Castillo, Director of Grants and Donor Services, who leads the program at (816) 912-4184 or [email protected] for more information. We are always looking to recruit interested high school students in the area! YAC offers a unique platform for young people to make a positive impact. Led by Truman Heartland, this community-focused program nurtures the next generation of philanthropic leaders. It's inspiring to see our YAC students actively participating in their community. I truly believe that due to their experiences with YAC and the mission of THCF, these exceptional students will remain dedicated to improving the places where they live, work, and serve throughout adulthood.  FAFSA delays cause financial uncertainty among Missouri studentsby Lydia Williams, Missouri Independent For many students, the excitement of deciding where to attend college is being met with concern over whether they’ll receive the financial aid they need. This year, FAFSA delays have left guidance counselors, students and administrators wondering whether financial aid offers will be received before deciding where to go for college. “If I fill out the FAFSA now, my information is only getting sent in May,” said Lindsey Brink, a senior at Battle High School. “I’m supposed to be registering for orientation and doing all those things.” FAFSA, which stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is usually launched on Oct. 1, but last year the U.S Department of Education announced that the application would be available on Dec. 31. This was due to a bumpy rollout of a new, simplified FAFSA form mandated by Congress in 2020, according to Federal Student Aid . The overhauls were intended to make the application easier and expand access with fewer questions, allowing users to transfer tax data directly from filed IRS forms and make more students from low-income backgrounds eligible for more aid. However, some changes to the application unintentionally made the process more challenging. The U.S. Department of Education announced that since the form went live, fewer than five million forms have been submitted so far. That’s a fraction of the almost 18 million forms previously submitted by students during the 2020 to 2021 application cycle, according to Federal Student Aid data. Keri Gilbert, director of financial aid at Stephens College, said not many students have been filing the FAFSA and the steep decline is “concerning.” “We do know that nationally, FAFSA filing is down about 42%, and in the state of Missouri, it’s down about 38%. So, we know that not as many students are filing the FAFSA,” Gilbert said. “That could absolutely end up impacting all across the nation how many students end up going to college next year.” Melissa Patterson, a college and career counselor at Battle High School, worries that underrepresented populations will be disproportionately affected financially. “We have a population of first-generation students that are underrepresented, and the FAFSA is really how they can pay for school,” she said. “The delays in processing the application have really caused a lot of anxiety for our students.” On top of causing uncertainty, they’ve also had trouble filling out the form. Some students had trouble understanding the wording of certain questions, getting in touch with the FAFSA help center and making changes or edits on completed forms. “I have not had any students successfully reach the FAFSA support by phone,” said Anna McMillen, director of counseling at Douglass High School. “You call, it goes through a menu, and then it tells you, ‘We are experiencing higher than normal call volumes, please try again later,’ and hangs up on you. There isn’t even an option to wait in line on hold or get a return call.” Students with parents who don’t have Social Security numbers are also having trouble receiving financial aid. They are able to submit the form without their parents’ information but are later required to go back and edit that information before actually receiving aid. “It is very complex and complicated, and they have not announced necessarily when the actual fix in the FAFSA form will be available for those students,” Gilbert said. Patterson emphasized that better communication from Federal Student Aid would have been “helpful.” “The process as far as what students need to do, being able to make changes, that kind of thing, that was not communicated very well,” she said. “That’s something we just kind of find out when you start filling out the application.” Christian Basi, university spokesperson at MU, said the FAFSA delays will not impact university operations such as housing, parking, orientation and scheduling of events. Currently, deposits for the upcoming school year are up 9% over the same time last year, according to a Monday email to the MU community. “The only thing the FAFSA is impacting is our and every other universities’ ability to get out to students their financial aid packages for the upcoming year prior to our deposit deadline, so that those students can make a decision on where they want to go to school,” Basi said. Students and families can access the net price calculator to get a personalized estimation of their financial aid to attend Mizzou. Emmalee Djerf, a psychology major at Stephens College, said she’s worried about the possible amount of student loans that she has to take out with the delays. “I already have several loans from being here in my undergraduate,” Djerf said, “so I’m hoping for something that would reduce the amount if I did need to take a loan out.” While Djerf said students are in limbo over these delays, it’s important to not put blame on college financial aid offices. “Students I’ve talked to on campus or heard about online, they’re really struggling because they don’t know when they’ll receive the information from the school because of the delay, and (it’s) causing kind of an uprise within students,” Djerf said. “So, I just hope that financial aid offices aren’t flooded with tension towards them because it’s not something they can handle themselves.” This story originally appeared in the Columbia Missourian. It can be republished in print or online. 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]. Follow Missouri Independent on Facebook and Twitter. 
Missouri nonfarm payroll employment increased by 7,800 jobs in February 2024, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged from January's 3.3 percent. Private industry employment increased by 6,500 jobs and government employment increased by 1,300 jobs. Over the year, there was an increase of 46,000 jobs from February 2023 to February 2024, and the unemployment rate increased by half of a percentage point, from 2.8 percent in February 2023 to 3.3 percent in February 2024. UNEMPLOYMENT Missouri's smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged in February 2024 at 3.3 percent from the revised January 2024 rate. The February 2024 rate was half of a percentage point higher than the February 2023 rate. The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 103,023 in February 2024, up by 1,445 from the revised January total of 101,578. The state's not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate increased in February 2024 by two-tenths of a percentage point to 4 percent from the January 2024 not-seasonally-adjusted rate of 3.8 percent. A year ago, the not-seasonally-adjusted rate was 3.3 percent. The corresponding not-seasonally-adjusted national rate for February 2024 was 4.2 percent. Missouri's labor force participation rate was 63.1 percent in February 2024, six-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 62.5 percent. Missouri's employment-population ratio was 61 percent in February 2024, nine-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 60.1 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate was 3.3 percent in February 2024, six-tenths of a percentage point lower than the national rate of 3.9 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate has been at or below the national rate for more than eight years. EMPLOYMENT Missouri's nonfarm payroll employment was 3,011,400 in February 2024, up by 7,800 from the revised January 2024 figure. The January 2024 total was revised upward by 3,800 jobs from the preliminary estimate. Goods-producing industries increased by 5,600 jobs over the month, with mining, logging, and construction gaining 3,800 jobs and manufacturing gaining 1,800 jobs. Private service-providing industries increased by 900 jobs between January 2024 and February 2024. Employment in private service-providing industries increased in professional and business services (5,300 jobs) and private education and health services (2,400 jobs). Employment decreased in leisure and hospitality (-4,700 jobs); financial activities (-1,100 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (-600 jobs); information (-300 jobs); and other services (-100 jobs). Total government employment increased by 1,300 jobs over the month, with increases in state (1,100 jobs) and federal government (300 jobs) and a decrease in local government (-100 jobs). Over the year, total payroll employment increased by 46,000 jobs from February 2023 to February 2024. The largest gains were in private education and health services (18,200 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (6,300 jobs); leisure and hospitality (5,700 jobs); financial activities (3,900 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (3,500 jobs); and other services (1,100 jobs). Employment decreased in professional and business services (-1,500 jobs) and manufacturing (-600 jobs). Government employment increased by 9,400 jobs over the year, with increases in state (4,500 jobs), local (3,400 jobs), and federal government (1,500 jobs).  The following information is derived from Grain Valley Police Department daily calls service log for the week of March 7-18, 2024. March 7, 2024 600 Blk BB Harassment PHQ Citizen contact 1300 Blk Persimmon Citizen contact 1000 Blk Burr Oak Ln Noise complaint March 9, 2024 1400 Blk NW Olympic Dr Alarm Eagle/Sni-a-Bar Leaving scene of accident Rosewood Dr Area check March 10, 2024 100 Blk Royer Ln Area check March 12, 2024 1200 Blk Willow Repo 1000 Blk Eagle Ridge Stolen auto 1100 Blk Bush Stealing 200 Blk Eagles Private tow 1400 Blk Sycamore Citizen contact 2000 Blk Hedgewood Agency assist 100 Blk Eagles Alarm March 13, 2024 500 Blk NW Woodbury Dr Welfare check 600 Blk SW Nelson Dr Public service 1300 Blk SW Foxtail Dr Suspicious activity 1200 Blk Willow Dr Welfare check PHQ Citizen contact 800 Blk SW Country Hill Rd Panic alarm SW Brome/Clover Area check 900 Blk SW Sandy Ln Agency assist 1400 Blk Jaclyn Verbal disturbance March 14, 2024 200 Blk Cypress 911 hangup 1700 Blk Hilltop Ln Repossession 1200 Blk NW Scenic Disturbance 600 Blk E Kirby Citizen contact PHQ Citizen contact PHQ Citizen contact 1000 Blk NW Eagle Ridge Dr Suspicious activity 700 Blk Tisha Ln Area check Main/Walnut Area check BB/Rust Motor vehicle accident PHQ Found property report March 15, 2024 Rosewood Hills Public service 100 Blk McQuerry Rd Agency assist 500 Blk Gregg Motor vehicle accident PHQ Citizen contact 29000 Blk AA Hwy Large party disturbance BSPD Prisoner transport Kirby/Willow Motor vehicle accident PHQ Citizen contact 100 Blk SW Rock Creek Ln Alarm 1200 Blk Ashley Dr Harassment PHQ Citizen contact 700 Blk N Main St Stealing PHQ Public service 1400 Blk Olympic Alarm Pamela/High View Parking complaint 1400 Blk Burr Oak Residence check March 16, 2024 1200 Blk Granite Alarm New PD Building Citizen contact PHQ Citizen contact 300 Blk Eagles Noise complaint 500 Blk Main St Civil standby 200 Blk Broadway Fire 1200 Blk Golfview Agency assist 500 Blk Main St Threats 700 Blk Main St Motor vehicle accident March 17, 2024 100 Blk Blue Branch Cor Agency assist 300 Blk A Front Disturbance 1400 Blk Willow Disturbance March 18, 2024 200 Blk SW Rock Creek Agency assist 600 Blk Capelle St Property damage PHQ Agency contact Additional calls for service: Domestic violence: 1  by Michael Smith The Grain Valley boys’ tennis team came close to winning a district championship last season. The Eagles made it to the finals of the Class 2 District 8 Tournament in 2023 after defeating Kansas City East and Kearney in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively. However, they fell to Platte County 5-1 in the championship as they were going for their second consecutive district championship. This season, Grain Valley may have a good chance of winning districts as it returns four of its six starters from last year’s squad. Leading the way will be the No. 1 singles player, Ben Drinkwater, who finished with a 9-9 record in 2023. The other returns joining him are senior Carter Williams and juniors John Cassidy and Trace Compton. Those are four players who are expected to crack the starting lineup and help the Eagles with the varsity experience factor. “It helps with our confidence, especially since a team like Platte County only returned two guys and they graduated a lot of their (junior varsity) guys, as well,” Drinkwater said. “We definitely feel like we can make a run this year.” And that will start with Drinkwater as he will play against the other team’s best player every match as the No. 1. He said he’s been working on his serve and backhand in the offseason. “My second serve is something I have struggled with in the past,” Drinkwater said. “I used to not have one. If I have a stronger second serve, I have more control over the point from the beginning.” “I have also been working on being more consistent with my backhand. I think both of those aspects of my game I have improved.” As the No. 2 singles player, Williams hopes to take a leap and elevate his performance from 2023. Drinkwater noted a big strength for Williams is his aggressiveness. “He will go after volleys,” Drinkwater said. “He’s not passive, which is nice. He is not afraid to make a mistake, which makes him a good player. You see a lot of JV players and even some varsity players who are afraid to make a mistake. Carter isn’t.” Williams added he has been working on his serves and being confident on the court. “It’s about going out there and doing what you practice,” Williams said. “I have struggled with that in the past, but I have gotten better with that to a point.” While Drinkwater and Williams will lead the team as the top two players, the Eagles have a big strength with their depth. There are six players who could fill the remaining four spots on the singles and doubles teams. Some of those expected to compete for those spots include Cassidy, Compton, seniors Campbell Childers and Dominic Lunn and juniors Blake Galvan and Aidan Wilson. Those who will fill No. 3, 4, 5 and 6 spots have yet to be determined. “I am very confident in this team,” Drinkwater said. “We have so many guys who can play at the varsity level and two of them will have to play on the JV team. Any of those guys can play at the four spots.” Grain Valley head coach Randy Draper said the depth is an advantage for his Eagles, but he said the team wins and losses will come down to who ends up in the No. 3 spot. He said if he can find players capable of winning the No. 3 and 4 matchups, his team will be a good shape in 2024. “It all comes down to if we have a lot of three and fours or do we have fives and sixes,” Draper said. “We will find out what we have when we start playing.” The depth part of the reason Drinkwater and Williams said they are confident the Eagles can win the district tournament this season. “We can easily beat them this year,” Williams said of potentially playing Platte County in the tournament this year. “Everyone has gotten better, and everyone is growing in their own ways. Grain Valley will play in its season opener at 4 p.m. March 19 at Staley High School.  Seniors Carter Williams, left, and Ben Drinkwater will be the No. 2 and 1 singles players for the Grain Valley boys tennis team, respectively as they will aim for a team district title in 2024. Photo credit: Michael Smith
by Michael Smith For the past two seasons, the Grain Valley boys golf team has been put on the map. The Eagles made the Missouri State High School Boys Golf Championships in 2022 and 2023 and finished seventh and sixth respectively. Those were the only times in the history of the program in which Grain Valley got to compete at the event. Now, the team is hoping to make it back for a third time this time with some new players entering the fold. “We used to have a lot of first-year golfers stumble in here who were athletes that we turned into golfers,” head coach Andy Herbert said. “Now we have some kids coming in as golfers and are ready to play.” Grain Valley is returning senior Charles Aldred and sophomore Eli Herbert are returning to the squad after getting to compete at state in 2023. Senior Jack Hileman likely will be promoted from junior varsity to the varsity squad. Sophomore Mason Smith and freshman Jacob Gorden are also expected to be a part of the lineup, as well. “I think we are going to be able to pick up right where we left off, just with different names,” Aldred said. The Eagles lost two-time, all-state placer Owen Hebert, who graduated in May 2023, along with Jaiden Wilson, who also got to compete at state. The Eagles will still have a seasoned golfer in Aldred, who got to compete at the state tournament the past two seasons. In 2023, he finished just five strokes off the score needed to be named an all-state selection, which is awarded to the top 15 finishers. He took 29th last season with a total score of 155. In 2022, he was 68th with a score of 173. Last season, he admitted he sometimes struggled handling bigger tournaments and dealing with the pressure of playing in them. He said he’s gotten better in those situations and it showed with his stark improvement at state. “I want to keep the momentum going that I had last year. When it came down to state, a little bit of the pressure got to me. I could have played a little better. “I feel like I am getting better in those big moments. Playing more golf helps and staying as locked in as I can.” Herbert, whose primary sport is basketball, had an impressive freshman season in 2023. At state, he finished tied two other golfers in 49th place with a 162. At the Class 4 District 4 tournament, he was a huge part of the team success as he took fifth by shooting a 76 (+4). He admitted he didn’t pick up a golf club during basketball season but is starting to get back into the swing of things now that the spring sports season is here. For him, the key is having a strong mentality. “You are not going to have your best every day,” Herbert said. “My main goal is to be a competitor and just win the hole and win the swing and grit out my rounds. “I don’t want to let one bad hole lead to two or three. I want to keep that laser focus and not getting too high or too low.” As far as the newcomers go, Hileman said he’s stoked to get his first varsity season started and will aim to strike the ball better and more accurately with his iron clubs. “I am just ready to be a part of the ride,” Hileman said. “There are no pictures in the scorecard.” So are Gorden and Smith, whom Andy Herbert said will be some key contributors. “Jacob was our next door neighbor for a few years, and he really got into golf at that time,” Andy Herbert said. “I think he was in the fifth or sixth grade when he started. He played a lot of competitive golf. He’s going to be a good player.” Grain Valley will kick off the season in the Oak Grove Invitational at 8:30 a.m. today at Adams Pointe Golf Club.  From left, Eli Herbert, Charlie Alfred, Jack Hileman and Jacob Gordon will be a part of the Grain Valley boys golf team which will aim for a third consecutive state tournament appearance in 2024. Photo credit: Michael Smith
by Cole Arndorfer The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met on Monday, March 11 for a lengthy meeting consisting of a proclamation, six new resolutions, and three ordinances. Mayor Mike Todd read a proclamation officially making the month of March Arts in Our Schools Month. The first resolution the board discussed was over the updated employee handbook. There are three sections where updates have been made. The updates come from human resources, department heads, and the Workplace Improvement Committee. Following discussion of this resolution, Alderman Skinner made a motion to amend maternity/paternity leave to six weeks and family leave to four weeks. The motion for the amendment passed, as did the resolution as a whole. The next resolution the board passed was allocate $14,333 from the city’s emergency management contribution to the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District. This was passed unanimously. Next up, the board passed a resolution allowing the city to purchase patrol rifles from Sionics Weapons Systems. Police Chief Ed Turner said that currently the department uses surplus weapons from a government agency that are pretty aged and this would give the department a much-needed update. Next, the board passed a resolution to establish the need to amend the 2024 budget to allocate funds from the park reserve funds to design and engineer the SW Eagles Parkway trail. Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Davies said that originally the department had allocated $55,000 for the project but they have since changed engineering firms and the cost is now $78,225. The next resolution the board passed allows the city to execute a contract with Crawford, Murphy and Tilly, Inc. for the design and engineering of the SW Eagles Parkway trail. This was passed unanimously. The final resolution the board passed allows the city to sign a tow agreement with Hookers Tow LLC. This agreement will provide towing service for the police department and will run from March 12, 2024 to March 12, 2027. This resolution was passed by a vote of 4-2. Following resolutions, the board moved into ordinances. The first bill the board passed was the second reading of a bill amending the sections of city code regarding Board of Aldermen meeting procedures. With the passage of this bill, Board of Aldermen meeting times will be moved to 6:30pm and the board would have the ability to discuss if they want to cancel or reschedule a meeting that is scheduled to occur on a holiday. The next bill the board passed was the second reading of a bill to amend the sections of city code regarding alcohol-related traffic offenses to include regulations for operating motor vehicles without an ignition interlock device. This was passed unanimously. The final bill the board discussed came from earlier in the meeting where the board passed a resolution establishing the need to amend the 2024 budget to allocate funding from the park reserve fund for the design and engineering of the SW Eagles Parkway trail. This bill officially allows the city to allocate these funds. The first read of this bill was approved and it was brought back for its second read by title only and was passed unanimously. Mayor Todd discussed the new playground project at Armstrong Park. Todd asked Davies if the Parks and Recreation Department had an idea of when the project would be completed. Davies said that much of the project relies on weather and vendor availability, but they are currently looking at April for a completion date and are also making plans for a ribbon cutting ceremony. The next Board of Aldermen meeting will take place at City Hall on March 25th at 6:30pm.  by Burton Kelso, The Tech Expert If you're like me, you're probably always on the lookout for low-cost options when it comes to your streaming services. Traditional streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ are seeing skyrocketing price increases which are putting a strain on your budget. If you are looking to lower your streaming expenses you need to look at some of the free streaming services that are emerging as a popular option to replace subscription streaming services. Now there is a trade-off, instead of a monthly bill, you’ll have to endure advertisements. That’s how these free services make their money. If you're looking to find a good free streaming service for your family, check out these options. As of this writing, there is no one-size-fits-all replacement for live TV streaming services other than a digital antenna, but the right free service could help you stay entertained while keeping your wallet happy. There are a couple of dozen free streaming services on the web. Here are a few services I recommend: Pluto TV. Pluto TV is owned by Viacom and runs over 100 free channels. It runs on Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku and PlayStation. Apps are available for Apple and Android devices. Sony Crackle. Crackle is owned by Sony, so it has a lot of Sony original content, plus programs and movies from other companies. You can watch some of your favorite TV shows, original programming and movies. It can be connected to a large variety of platforms such as TVs, mobile devices, set-top boxes, gaming consoles, and online. Tubi. A long favorite of mine, Tubi streams more than 12,000 titles. You can Stream anywhere and the service includes content from a plethora of other sources for kids of all ages and content that’s not streamed anywhere else. Freevee (formerly IMDb TV). Freevee is owned by Amazon and contains a lot of content -backed by Amazon. It offers on-demand movies and TV shows, live-streaming channels, and a small collection of original content. Roku Channel. The Roku Channel is an app for watching movies and TV shows that is attached to popular Roku streaming devices. Roku streaming devices and televisions come preloaded with applications that include the Roku Channel, but you also can get access to the content through smartphones, tablets, and computers. Hopefully, this article will help point you in the right direction as far as streaming services. There are more free streaming services out there. If you have time, check out some of the other services out there to see if it will be worth your time. Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to [email protected]. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone. Need computer repair service near you? My company Integral offers the highest quality computer repair service nationwide. If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team. Our team of friendly tech experts organization can help you with any IT needs you might have. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829. Good News: Grain Valley Swim and Dive team offering youth swim lessons starting March 25th3/14/2024
The GV Swim and Dive Team will be providing swimming lessons again this year at the Blue Springs South Aquatic Center. They will start on the week of March 25th and last for 4 weeks. The cost is $60 for 4 semi-private lessons. Student athletes from the boys and girls high school team will be providing the instruction and funds raised will support the team. Utilize the QR code in the flyer below to register or e-mail [email protected] with questions.  
When I think about Easter, I think of ham … but also all the sides! From green bean casserole to mac and cheese, there are so many options to include. While our Easter plate is composed mainly of sides, sometimes we may lack a variety of vegetables. Think about what you usually put on your plate during Easter… how many of these dishes include vegetables? If the answer is none or not very many, below are some tips and tricks to add vegetables to your Easter in a fun and unique way! Start by visualizing your plate before the big Easter meal happens. Your plate should consist of ½ plate vegetables, ¼ plate protein, and ¼ plate of carbohydrate. Looking at the different food choices available can help you mentally pick your plate to make sure you are getting enough veggies. Another tip: Try to eat your vegetables first. All veggies are chock full of fiber! Fiber helps slow down the digestion of food in your stomach, leaving you feeling fuller for longer. After you have your fill of veggies, grab a protein option, like turkey or ham. This can help prevent overeating or feeling “stuffed” after a big meal. Vegetables can come in many different forms including salad, roasted vegetables, or raw vegetables with a dipping sauce. The texture of different vegetables can either encourage or discourage individuals from trying them. Here’s a recommendation: If there’s a vegetable you have tried before and it has not been your favorite, try roasting it! Roasting vegetables lightly tossed in olive oil and your favorite seasonings at 450 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes brings excellent flavor and texture to the table! Finally, if you have any kids who are picky about vegetables, try getting them involved in the kitchen! Making a veggie tray in the shape of a bunny head and serving with their favorite vegetable dip can make food “fun” and can help kids try to accept new foods and food groups. One of the easiest ways to add a vegetable to your Easter table is through a salad! Salads can be served as an appetizer, giving you something to satisfy your stomach before the main meal. They can also help subdue cravings throughout the day. But salads don’t just have to be a pile of leafy greens! One of my favorite salads is Shaved Asparagus Garden Salad. This salad combines sweet and savory flavors together while also packing in nutrients. Plus, asparagus is one of the first spring vegetables to come in season! Some of asparagus’ nutrients include antioxidants, fiber, vitamin K and folate, which in turn can help with our immune function, inflammation and much more. Try serving this at your Easter table to impress your guests and your taste buds! Shaved Asparagus Garden Salad Serves 6 (1 cup each) All you need: 12 oz asparagus spears 2 cups tightly packed baby arugula ¾ cup thinly shredded purple cabbage 2 whole red radishes, thinly sliced 1 tbsp finely chopped basil 1 tbsp finely chopped mint ½ cup blackberries ¼ cup honey-roasted sliced almonds ¼ cup Soiree traditional feta crumbled cheese ¼ cup Brianna’s champagne style vinaigrette dressing All you do:
Recipe source: March/April 2024 Hy-Vee Seasons magazine Are you ready for more tips and inspiration to incorporate nutrient-dense foods into your diet? Not only are vegetables good for you, but they can help stabilize your blood sugar. If you’re ready to take a deeper dive when it comes to regulating your blood sugar, check out our Balancing Your Blood Sugar program, an action-based group program for those with prediabetes or diabetes, but also for individuals looking to lower inflammation, reduce their sugar intake and control their cravings. To learn more, reach out to your Hy-Vee dietitian today or head to https://www.hy-vee.com/healthnew/dietitians. The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice. by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation Connecting with nature can boost physical and mental health, science has shown. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) helps people deepen their connections with nature with a series of Nature Rx programs at the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs. Next up in the series is a Mindfulness and Sensory Stroll from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27. A key component of the Nature Rx series is when Lisa Richter, MDC naturalist, points out new things people can see, hear, touch, and smell in the outdoors. Experiencing nature with heightened awareness is the goal. Scientific studies have shown that nature contact can provide health benefits such as lowering blood pressure, improving sleep, and boosting immunity. The Mindfulness and Sensory Stroll down a Burr Oak Woods trail provides an experience but also a guide to how people can experience nature on their own. Nature Rx events are held regularly at Burr Oak Woods year-round. Some upcoming programs will include nature themes such as wildflowers as well as activities such as archery and kayaking while immersed in nature. The Nature Rx programs are open to participants ages 18 and older. Registration is required. To register for the Mindfulness and Sensory Stroll, visit http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Xo. Upcoming Nature Rx programs can be found on MDC’s events page for the Kansas City region at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4X3. For more information about the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center and the area’s hiking trails, visit https://mdc.mo.gov/burroakwoods. |
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