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by Cory Unrein In 1866, four women in Columbus, Mississippi, visited their local cemetery to decorate the graves of Confederate and Union soldiers who had been killed at the battle of Shiloh.
Their act of kindness was detailed in newspaper articles throughout the north and south, and inspired Francis Miles Finch, a northern judge and academic, to pen “The Blue and The Gray”. The poem, published in 1867, became widely popular across the fractured nation, as it honored the common loss of both sides. The kind acts of those four women and Finch’s poem created a groundswell of support across the country for an official holiday to remember the nation’s war dead. Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, was adopted in 1868 to honor those who were killed in service of their country. The holiday became a federal holiday in 1971, and with the three day weekend the holiday morphed into the unofficial kickoff of summer. While a three-day weekend, pool openings, and the arrival of summer is certainly worth celebrating, please take a moment this weekend to remember those whose sacrifices ensured you could enjoy these moments with your loved ones. The Blue And The Gray Francis Miles Finch (1827-1907) By the flow of the inland river, Whence the fleets of iron have fled, Where the blades of the grave-grass quiver, Asleep are the ranks of the dead: Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment-day; Under the one, the Blue, Under the other, the Gray These in the robings of glory, Those in the gloom of defeat, All with the battle-blood gory, In the dusk of eternity meet: Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgement-day Under the laurel, the Blue, Under the willow, the Gray. From the silence of sorrowful hours The desolate mourners go, Lovingly laden with flowers Alike for the friend and the foe; Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgement-day; Under the roses, the Blue, Under the lilies, the Gray. So with an equal splendor, The morning sun-rays fall, With a touch impartially tender, On the blossoms blooming for all: Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment-day; Broidered with gold, the Blue, Mellowed with gold, the Gray. So, when the summer calleth, On forest and field of grain, With an equal murmur falleth The cooling drip of the rain: Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment -day, Wet with the rain, the Blue Wet with the rain, the Gray. Sadly, but not with upbraiding, The generous deed was done, In the storm of the years that are fading No braver battle was won: Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment-day; Under the blossoms, the Blue, Under the garlands, the Gray No more shall the war cry sever, Or the winding rivers be red; They banish our anger forever When they laurel the graves of our dead! Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment-day, Love and tears for the Blue, Tears and love for the Gray. by John Unrein The way the two events coincided was a welcome sight. The downpour of rain subsided briefly as Grain Valley forward Emma Thiessen broke into the clear and scored the first goal of the game thirty minutes into the second half. The Lady Eagles fans in attendance at Bob Shore Stadium in Camdenton erupted with cheers. It was the momentum gain that Grain Valley needed en route to their 3-0 victory during the Class 3 Sectional tournament playoff round. “There was a struggle that became greater as this game went on. We knew we needed to find a way to make it through this game. We continued to work together. Kylee (Bragaw) found me and made a great pass. It led to me making the shot,” Thiessen said. “It was fun to play in a game like this one. It is something I will never forget. We wanted this for our seniors on the team so that they can keep going.” Joining Thiessen with second half goals for the Lady Eagles were fellow freshmen Annabelle Totta and Kylee Bragaw. Totta wore out a path along the Grain Valley sideline in her relentless charge to get wide and in the clear. The reward was the Camdenton Lady Lakers defense finally wearing down thirty-two minutes into the second half when Totta sent the soccer ball on a low trajectory into the corner of the net. Bragaw would follow suit one minute later and seal the victory for the Lady Eagles. “I was determined for us to get another goal. I knew we would need it due to the weather. Emma (Thiessen) made a good pass that set me up for the shot. I was able to finish. I had fun playing in the rain today,” Totta said. The youth of the Grain Valley girls varsity soccer roster continues to pay dividends. It is hard to imagine the eight freshmen of the Lady Eagles squad as freshmen anymore at this point in the season. Better yet, they are committed to have their efforts benefit the four seniors on the team. Senior leadership as displayed by midfielder Raena Childers could be a big reason why. Childers was consistently double teamed by the Lady Lakers defense during the game. Camdenton was committed to not letting Childers be the one to hurt their endeavors. Instead of displaying frustration, Childers found creative ways to distribute the soccer ball to her teammates. The results from the contest speak for themselves regarding the unselfishness on display by the Grain Valley senior committed to play soccer at the University of Kansas next year. A reminder was given after the game by Grain Valley Lady Eagles head soccer coach Tyler Nichol to enjoy the win but realize that the team was not done, that work still lies ahead for them to achieve their goal. A message that was well received by Nichol’s squad. The playoff win was not a bad way for Nichol to celebrate his 200th victory as head coach either. Nichol could not help but smile as rain dripped off the bill of his hat upon hearing the celebration going on behind closed doors in the Grain Valley locker room following the win. The loud festivities were in part due to 2016 being the last time the Lady Eagles soccer team made the quarterfinals. Nichol shared the pride he had in the way his team played with his postgame comments. “They (Camdenton) really homed in on taking away Raena (Childers) as a threat. We tried pushing her to the front more in the first half and that made things worse in being too crowded. The second half Childers distributed the soccer ball really well to our benefit,” Nichol said. “The other weapons on this team stepped up. Thiessen, Totta, and Bragaw were huge in what they contributed. All three know how to win at a young age from playing club soccer and the other sports they are involved in at the high school. It is awesome to have members of this team be coached by people like (Randy) Draper who are competitive and teach kids so much about winning.” Nichol concluded, “Our early wins this season against teams like Kearney, Staley, and Park Hill South left this team unafraid and playing with swagger. They believe they can make plays. This win has been a great end to long day.” Grain Valley improves to a record of 20-2-1 on the season. The Lady Eagles will next host Platte County in the quarterfinal round of the Class 3 playoffs on May 29th. Freshmen Emma Thiessen and Annabelle Totta celebrate their playoff victory. Photo credit: Valley News staff Senior Raena Childers attempts a free kick. Photo credit: Valley News staff Freshman Sevi Aumua keeps the ball in play.
Photo credit: Valley News staff by John Unrein Grain Valley Eagles head baseball coach Brian Driskell turned to assistant coach Dom Giangrosso for a hug after the final out was recorded in the Class 5 District 7 Tournament on May 21st. The Eagles had just held on for a narrow hard fought 2-1 victory against the Marshall Owls. The players rushed the field from the dugout to form a dog pile between third base and the pitcher’s mound. The celebration continued with Driskell receiving a water shower from starting pitcher Cole Keller. Grain Valley had defeated Ruskin, Warrensburg, and Marshall to obtain a district crown for the first time since 2009. Activities Director Brandon Hart summoned the team to behind home plate at Raytown South stadium for a picture with the first place championship trophy. Media and parents waited their turn for pictures and handshakes with parents. Driskell could not contain his smile as he shared his postgame thoughts. “This is a fun experience as I have never been in this situation, it is overwhelming. For (Cole Keller) to go run in track sectionals this morning in multiple events and quality for state before coming here and emptying the tank on the mound. I was concerned around the third inning before he (Keller) reached down and put us in a position for us to have a chance at the end (of the game),” Driskell said. “I have never had a kid like Cole and some of our other leaders. It is fun to have for our team. Palecek came in and did a good job shutting the door (in relief). He is an example of what we have preached all year with the motto of ‘team over me.’ We had a senior verify that Joel should be on the mound when he responded to one of our coaches with, ‘Joel’s got this.’ Baseball becomes extremely fun with that going on.” Driskell continued, “There are not many situations where I enjoy getting my clothes wet before getting in a car, but this is one of them. That was welcomed for sure. I did tell Coach Alberson for Marshall that no one deserved to lose this game tonight. We faced one heck of a team tonight for sure. It meant a lot to get to share this moment with my team and Coach Giangrosso especially.” Keller’s busy day started early at the Class 5 Sectional 4 track meet. The senior would go on to qualify in the 400 meter dash and 4 x 400 meter relay for the MSHSAA Class 5 State Championships on May 27th. All of this took place before Keller hit the mound and would strikeout seven batters, surrender two hits and three walks, while only giving up one run across five and two-third innings. The key for Keller as a starting pitcher for the Eagles all season has been his mechanics. Something that is not uncommon for tall pitchers with long arms and legs to struggle with at times in consistently repeating their delivery. Keller started practicing his leg kick and foot placement during breaks at the sectional track meet. The attention to detail paid off for Keller as he knew he was right while warming up in the bullpen prior to the start of the game. “Getting this win tonight was everything. I love these dudes. The start of the fourth inning was surreal for me as I looked around,” Keller said. “I did not miss a spot in the bullpen warming up before the game. When that happened, I knew I was going to be on when I hit the mound.” Keller finished, “I am delighted for Coach Driskell to get this title. The dugout was full of energy and we did not back down tonight.” Keller would get to eighty-eight pitches on the mound and top out at eighty-six miles per hour on the radar gun before handing the baseball over to Driskell in the top of the sixth inning. Joel Palecek would be summoned to come in and finish the game for the Eagles. The junior went about his business as usual by throwing strikes and never changing his facial expression on the mound. Palecek would lean on his fastball to only allow one base hit and no runs across one and one-third innings of scoreless relief. Just as impressive was the bases loaded jam that Palecek worked out of in the top of the sixth inning to keep the win intact for Grain Valley. “I give all glory to God. I trust my teammates. I put faith in those two things and did my best. The way we competed tonight was great,” Palecek said. “Having the trust of my coaches and teammates means a lot to me.” Grain Valley improves to a record of 25-8 as they will next face the Smithville Warriors on May 29th in the quarterfinal round of the MSHSAA Class 5 state playoff. The Grain Valley Eagles baseball team celebrates their Class 5 District 7 Championship. Photo credit: Valley News staff Senior Cole Keller goes 5 and two-thirds innings on the mound for the Eagles. Photo credit: Valley News staff First baseman Kaden Jeffries produces an RBI single in the bottom of the third inning.
Photo credit: Valley News staff by John Unrein “Proud to be an Eagle” read the Twitter post for May 14th from Grain Valley High School Activities. The cause for celebration was Grain Valley finishing the spring sports conference season with an undefeated conference record. Baseball, boys track, girls track, boys tennis, boys golf, and girls soccer all won Suburban Conference titles. A feat worth celebrating due to the hard work put forth by student athletes, coaches, and administration. Making the achievement even more special is that it is the first time for a clean sweep in the history of Grain Valley High School, per Activities Director Brandon Hart. “Grain Valley has been close to this accomplishment, but there have always been one or two programs that fell short in the conference standings. Winning a conference title is a nice accomplishment for each individual program, but when considering each title on its own, I would not consider it a major accomplishment,” Hart said. “However, when you consider that all six spring sports accomplished this task in a single season, it demonstrates a school culture where athletes and coaches support each other. We have multiple kids that can participate in various spring sports because of the culture of Grain Valley. I see baseball kids attend soccer games and vice versa.” Hart finished, “Success and winning is contagious in a positive environment, and we have been fortunate this spring season to reap the benefits.” Team unity, making competition fun, and coaches providing specific instruction that is well received by student athletes has been a noticeable formula for success by the Eagles. The boys varsity baseball team dyeing their hair blond during the 2019 season displayed unanimity. The girls varsity track team this spring conducting an informal dance party after the team stretch at the start of practice has provided more than a few smiles. The directions given by head tennis coach Randy Draper on how to follow through on a backhand swing catches the attention of his players. Success has pushed the Eagles sports programs further into a growth mindset. Continued progress is the goal. An expectation that starts with Hart and continues through the coaching ranks. “It does not matter how many conference titles you win; successful programs always seek improvement. We have never won a MSHSAA state championship, and I know every coach and player strives to win a state championship,” Hart said. “However, the goal of a high school educational program is never to win. The goal is to focus on the preparation and processes it takes to be successful. If we can accomplish this goal, winning conference, district, and state titles will follow.” Hart added, “We are proud of our accomplishments this spring, and we celebrate our successes, but we also understand there is always more work to do to get better.” Getting to be a student athlete means that you get to put your school’s name on your uniform and represent it doing something that you love. The lessons learned through competition and sportsmanship tend to last a lifetime. Bonds created with teammates and coaches are something rarely forgotten. Grain Valley continues to add the pride associated with winning to their identity. Pete Carpino joined the faculty at Grain Valley High School in the Fall of 2015. Head football coach David Allie was part of the recruitment effort that influenced Carpino’s decision to join the district. The two best friends have shared many milestones together since agreeing to become Eagles, including back to back football district championships in 2019 and 2020. Carpino is no doubt proud of the accomplishments attained during his educational career. The physical education teacher values relationships above all else though. That is apparent to anyone who has ever watched Carpino teach, coach, or enjoy time around his co-workers. It was also part of the overwhelming sentiment shared by students and community members when compiling feedback for this story. Their words explain the legacy of Carpino’s influence. “I voted for Coach Carpino to speak at our commencement because it seemed fitting. He had coached a lot of us and was fun guy to look up to. That along with the fact that he was leaving the high school the same time we were,” Parker Bosserman said. Cole Keller contributed, “We chose Coach Carpino to speak at graduation because he has had such a great impact on a lot of us. He is interested in what is best for us and keeps it real with us. Since he is retiring, it is only right he gives a goodbye speech.” Jordyn Weems added, “Ever since we were freshmen, Coach Carpino said he was going to graduate with us – and he did!” Riley Bown continued the adoration with, “Having Coach Carpino speak at the Class of 2021’s graduation is special because of how much he is involved with our school. He is a varsity assistant football coach and a girls varsity assistant basketball coach. Both of those programs have had a big impact on our school over the last couple of years. He is also someone that a lot of people know around our high school and this community.” Hunter Newsom concluded, “We selected the right person for the job in choosing Coach Carpino to speak at graduation. He has been with us these past four years and made an impact on many of us. Also, with him going into retirement, we felt like it had to be him speaking since he was here at the start of our journey and is now leaving us.” Two hallmarks of Carpino are that he is prepared and honest. Even if it meant late hours watching game film with little sleep or the truth not always being what a student athlete wanted to hear. Both attributes have served Carpino well throughout his career and his time at Grain Valley High School. Something not lost on John Overstreet. The longtime Grain Valley resident has been a staple on the sideline taking pictures for the community during many of the contests that Carpino has coached in. The following are memories Overstreet has compiled in reflecting on his time around Carpino. “Memories of Pete Carpino…For those Eagles fans with gray whiskers, a nemesis of sort from days gone by. The orchestrator of more than one heartbreaking loss on what were once the grassy (real grass) football fields of Oak Grove and Grain Valley High Schools. A guy whose actions and abilities demanded the respect of an opposing team’s players, coaches, and even their fans. And while most of us did not know Pete Carpino back then, we all knew about Coach Carpino’s successes on the field. What I have learned in the past several years of watching him work with our kids during brisk, late season football games, or the hardwood basketball courts of mid-February, makes me glad that Grain Valley was able to snag him for the short time we did. And yet, there is a little streak of jealousy there too, as I realize what we missed by not having him there to guide our kids for the entirety of his career. Pete likes to win, and I believe he does everything in his power to do so. But more importantly, Pete likes to see kids win, and he has the innate ability to get them to do everything in THEIR power to do so. What the kids do not always see, is that while Pete is coaching them to win at sports, he is also coaching them to win in life. That practice makes perfect, either on the court or in a career. That preparation wins games and finishes projects on time. Things they can use every day for the rest of their lives, learned from a guy who walks the sideline of a high school football game. From the sidelines, I am blessed to see up close how coaches interact with their student athletes. Pete knows how to (and perhaps more importantly, when to) point out a player’s mistakes and how to correct them. He knows when to be stern, and when it is more important to be supportive. In a late season basketball game a few years ago, in a less than stellar season, a bench player drained a three pointer from well outside her range. As I looked across the floor at the Eagle’s bench, the first person I saw jump to his feet and cheer was Pete. The game was lost, and the season nearly over, but the smile that was on that girl’s face as she ran by him standing near the bench will forever dwell in my mind. As the minutes ticked away in the last football game I attended, and the scoreboard left little doubt as to how the season was to end, I paid particular attention to the man who was likely coaching the sport for the last time. His attention was directed to players and other members of the coaching staff, shaking hands, wiping tears, giving out hugs. Yep, we were lucky to have him for the time we did, but you cannot help but wonder about what might have been. Pete Carpino, the guy I respected in Oak Grove Orange, and learned to love in Eagle’s Blue. Best wishes to you, my friend. I hope you enjoyed your time here as much as we enjoyed having you.” Carpino is looking forward to speaking at commencement at 7:00pm on May 26th at Cable Dahmer Arena. Carpino is equally as excited to spend the next chapter of his life with his wife in retirement. Thinking about what has been and what is next leaves Carpino being true to his character in being a man of few words. This time around it appears to be due to what his experience at Grain Valley High School has meant to him. “It is a great feeling to know that so many kids nominated me to speak at graduation. I did not expect it. I am humbled to be speaking at the ceremony,” Carpino said. “I feel very lucky to have had this position (teaching and coaching) at the high school. I will miss it. The daily conversations with my co-workers and students that led to relationships were the best.” Congratulations to Coach Carpino for a career spent serving others. Grain Valley High School and the community of Grain Valley are thankful for your contributions. Your impact will live on and be dearly missed. The Jackson County health order, which required masks in indoor businesses and places of public accommodation, expired the afternoon of May 14th.
The announcement follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s revision to its guidance for fully vaccinated individuals. The new guidance states that individuals who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 can resume activities — both indoor or outdoor, large or small — without wearing a mask or social distancing. Exceptions to this new guidance include health care settings, correctional facilities, homeless shelters and public transportation. According to CDC, individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. “While this is welcome news for many, we cannot forget that this virus is still present and poses a risk to our residents, especially those who are not fully vaccinated. People are still contracting COVID-19 and dying from it. We need everyone to take personal responsibility and get vaccinated so we can truly put this devastating virus behind us,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said. Businesses and other spaces continue to have the right to set their own mask requirements for entry. Masks will still be required in county buildings and facilities for staff and visitors until further notice. In an email to district parents on May 16th, Grain Valley Schools announced they have discontinued the mask mandate effective immediately, later clarifying that Jackson County will continue to require masks be worn on school buses. The district stated it would "strongly recommend face coverings for individuals who are not fully vaccinated, consistent with Jackson County officials and CDC guidelines." Additionally, the district reaffirmed persons not fully vaccinated who are exposed to someone with COVID-19 will still need to be isolated for 14 days. The COVID-19 vaccine is now widely available, and vaccines are now available for teens aged 12-15. Local options include Crosetti Health and Wellness, located at 510 N Main in downtown Grain Valley. The pharmacy currently offers the Moderna vaccine and expect a shipment of Pfizer vaccine soon. Those seeking a vaccine may walk-in during regular business hours.. The Jackson County Health Department continues to offer vaccine clinics. Appointments can be made by calling 816-404-6415 or registering on their website. Visit jacohd.org/covid-vaccines for more information. Those who are homebound and interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine may call the MARC vaccine registry helpline at 816-421-4980 or 800-593-7948. Phone lines operate Monday—Friday from 9:00am—4:00pm. The State of Missouri also offers a “Get A Ride” website, covidvaccine.mo.gov/ride/#region_a, which outlines a number of providers offering free rides to those needing to access a vaccine. Locally, the OATS Transit service will transport residents. “The science is clear – these vaccines are extremely effective in limiting community transmission and protecting the most vulnerable among us,” Jackson County Health Department Director Bridgette Shaffer, MPH said. “We encourage everyone age 12 and older to take advantage of this important tool to help us end the pandemic.” by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Even in 1921, Birdie’s family were long time residents of Jackson County, specifically Van Buran Township and later Sni-A-Bar Township and Grain Valley.
At the time of his death, January 26, 1913, her grandfather Levi Potts (Harris-Potts Road) was said to have resided in Jackson County longer than any other resident. He was born in Simpson County, Kentucky in October, 1828, and came with his parents to Jackson County when he was but a year old. Mr. Potts, a member of the Quantrell squad, participated in the 1862 raid in Lawrence, Kansas. Earlier in 1849, he had crossed the plains in quest of gold. According to his obituary, before his death and with a wealth of experiences to draw from, he became an interesting story teller and was the idol of all the children in his neighborhood. He married Sinia Emily Slaughter and they are both buried in the Slaughter Cemetery. One of his sons, Josiah Martin Potts, married Lydia Margaret Alley. Birdie Leellyn was their daughter. I had the privilege of knowing Birdie for many years. She was a stalwart member of the Grain Valley Methodist Church (now Faith UMC) having joined in 1915. In 1989, Birdie read a “centennial moment” each Sunday for a year. She not only helped to preserve the history of our Church; she also revealed many personal stories. One week she talked about the difficulties of traveling the three plus miles to Church in a wagon on rainy Sundays. She had known many of the early members. She told stories of the old pot belly stove that warmed the congregation on cold mornings. She was there when the Ladies’ Aid was begun. She knew about the work of the Churches in Grain Valley during the Depression and World War II. Money from her aunt’s will helped to build the addition to the church in the early 1950’s. I could go on and on. Birdie was also active in the community with membership in the Order of the Eastern Star, the Oak Hill Garden Club and later the Grain Valley Historical Society before her death in 1999. The histories she wrote for her church and the O. E. S. continue to provide a valuable resource for the Historical Society. Birdie became a young widow in 1933 when her husband, Harvey C. Brown passed. Their son, also Harvey, was quite young. In 1938 she married Alexander S. Davidson. A Scotsman, Alex was employed by Sni-A-Bar Farms. He died in 1970. Birdie remained at her farm until her death. Like so many graduates of Grain Valley High School, she loved her family, her Church, her community and her school! Mid-Continent Public Library’s annual Summer Library Program for all ages will begin June 1 and run through August 24. This year, the Library is asking kids and teens to read for 20 minutes a day for 20 days. Those who do will earn a free book and the chance to win prizes. Adults can earn a commemorative enamel pin by setting a good example and reading for 20 minutes a day as well. In recognition of Missouri’s bicentennial in August, the theme of this year’s program is “Show Me!”
Participants don’t have to just read traditional books; every time a reader engages with text, or practices early literacy skills, this can count toward their daily reading. All reading can be tracked online through a free tracking app called Beanstack or on paper logs that can be picked up at any MCPL branch.. More information about the program, including how to sign up and log reading, can be found at mymcpl.org/ShowMe. It's common knowledge that big tech companies like Facebook, Google, or Twitter are tracking you through the apps you're using on your smartphones and tablets to target you with ads. When these companies know your personal habits, such as where you live, where you shop, and what you do for entertainment, it helps them personalize ads that are directly targeted to you.
Fortunately, companies like Android and Apple are stepping up to the plate to help keep your information and lifestyle private. If you're looking to keep your information out of the hands of big tech, follow these steps to put an end to tracking for your Android and iPhone devices. Both Android and Apple devices use an IDFA or special "ad ID" for tracking smartphones. Companies who want to gather information can use your IDFA to track you across different apps and websites which allows them to gather your app usage habits. You have always had the ability to turn off app tracking on your smart gadgets, but the release of Apple's iOS 14.5 made major headlines last month as not only did it make apps unable to track you unless you give them permission, but it also alerts you what apps are using your IDFA to scan your other apps to get information about you. There are good reasons why some apps need to track your location. For example, your navigation apps won't work well if they aren't able to know your location. It's one thing to have one app using your IDFA, but it becomes scary when they begin using other apps to look for more information about you. You might be surprised which apps are gathering information about you. Here's a list. Social media: You knew this already, right? Streaming: Your favorite streaming service knows what you're watching, where you're watching it, and which family member is watching. Deals and coupons: Yes, you can find some great deals with these apps, but they are also checking out your shopping habits to target you with ads for more stuff. News and weather: These apps have the ability to know your location ... because you want to know the local forecast, right? Car insurance: Are you a good driver? I hope so, as that car insurance app knows your location as well as knowing how fast you drive. Want your apps to stop tracking you? Here is how you do it! How to prevent App tracking on an Android phone. At the time of this writing, Android devices don't have the robust features that iOS 14.5 has as far as letting you know which apps are spying on your other apps. If you want to stop app tracking, you have to turn off location tracking entirely. On a Google Pixel 4, go to Settings > Location and toggle Use location off. On a Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus, go to Settings > Location and toggle it off. This turns off all location tracking, so no apps will be able to access your location, but it also means that you can’t locate your phone with 'Find My Device' if it goes missing. You also won't be able to use Google Maps or any other app that relies on on-location services. How to prevent App tracking on iPhone. Apple is helping you stay ahead of those apps tracking you with the release of iOS14.5 Anytime an app wants to use your IDFA, you will get a prompt asking if you want the app in question to track your activity across other apps and websites. You can confirm or deny the action. These default settings allow you to get a good idea of which apps are tracking your information across all of your devices. If you don't want to deal with a prompt every time an app tries to read the IDFA and stop tracking altogether, you can do the following: Go into Settings. 2. Select Privacy. 3. Select Tracking. 4. Switch the toggle to OFF for 'Allow Apps to Request to Track' I'm sure you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that changing some settings on your phones can help boost your privacy and prevent big tech companies from following you across the internet. Let's hope more companies step up and do more to protect our personal data. Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@burtonkelso.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone. Reach out to us at www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829. Missouri non-farm payroll employment showed little overall change from March 2021 to April 2021, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased by a tenth of a percentage point.
Employment, seasonally adjusted, increased by 600 jobs over the month. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in April 2021, down from 4.2 percent in March 2021. The Missouri labor market showed an increase of nearly a quarter million jobs from April 2020 to April 2021. Missouri’s smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased by a tenth of a percentage point in April 2021, dropping to 4.1 percent from the March 2021 rate of 4.2 percent. With the start of the COVID-19 pandemic now a year in the past, the April 2021 rate was 8.4 percentage points lower than the April 2020 rate. The rate had reached a low of 3.1 percent starting in July 2018, before gradually edging up to 3.5 percent by the end of 2019, and then to 3.7 percent in March 2020. The COVID-19 effect hit in April 2020, spiking the rate to 12.5 percent for that month. The rate decreased monthly for the rest of 2020, reaching 4.4 percent in December, and has continued gradually downward through the first four months of 2021. Missouri’s unemployment rate has been below the national rate for every month since February 2020. The national unemployment rate increased from 6.0 percent in March 2021 to 6.1 percent in April 2021. The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 126,758 in April 2021, down by 1,303 from March’s 128,061. Improved weather and the gradual return to a post-COVID economy helped to push the state’s not-seasonally-adjusted rate down to 4.0 percent in April 2021, four-tenths of a percentage point lower than the March 2021 not-seasonally-adjusted rate of 4.4 percent. The corresponding not-seasonally-adjusted national rate for April 2021 was 5.7 percent. A year ago, the state’s seasonally adjusted rate was 12.5 percent, and the not-adjusted rate was 12.3 percent. |
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