Six girls represented Grain Valley in the Class 5 Missouri State High School Girls Track and Field Championships this past weekend.
     And in the end, all six came home with something to show for their efforts.
     The Eagles earned All-State honors in three events as every girls competitor earned a medal at Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City.
     At the end of the state meet, the 4x400 relay team of Avery Huffman, Emma Jane Ogle, Raegan Fisher and Madison Rogers had an emotional final race as a foursome, taking fifth place with a time of 4:02.39.
     “We broke the school record twice in the last 24 hours,” Grain Valley girls coach Brian Winckler said. “It’s very, very exciting stuff for them. The girls ran well. Every girl we brought down here left with a medal. I am excited for all of them.”
     It was the last meet for Huffman, a senior, who was teary-eyed after she and her teammates received their medals. She gave her three teammates hugs as she will be moving on to the University of Kansas City-Missouri to play softball next year.
     “We have run together a lot, I love these girls so much,” Ogle said. “We are going to miss Avery so much. She is a huge part of this team. We just have fun and go out there and compete no matter what."
     Fisher expressed similar feelings toward her teammates.
     “I had a lot of fun. This is my first all-state medal,” Fisher said. “I am excited, but I am sad that Avery is going to be leaving. I love these girls. They are all my really good friends and I love running with them.”
     Huffman admitted she will miss running with her teammates.
     “All my senior emotions came out. I am happy I got to run with these girls one last time,” Huffman said.
     For Rogers, it was a season to remember.
     “I wouldn’t want to run with anyone else,” Rogers said. “It’s honestly really motivating to get to run with them to the finish line. I don’t think the season could have gone better.”
     Joining those four in getting a medal was sophomore McKenah Sears, who was ranked in the top 10 national all season in the javelin event, finished third with a throw of 143 feet, 11 inches. It was the sophomore’s second all-state honor in as many years.
     “I am really excited (to be all-state) again,” Sears said. “I give all credit to God for giving me this ability. It was a lot of fun to earn the medal.”
    Sears admitted that her first throw is always her best one and this was the case when she competed on Friday.
     “My adrenaline is pumping on the first one,” Sears said, “so the first throw always comes natural.”
     Sears wasn’t the only thrower to shine over the weekend. Senior Jory Huber ended her career with her first all-state medal in the discus with a throw of 121 feet, finishing seventh.
     “I am super excited and really grateful,” Huber said. “I think the steps were good and that helped me finish seventh. I really put it together there at the end.”
 

     A lot of track and field events are individual based.
     In most events, it’s one person who determines how many team points their team earns in any given meet. The one style of race that does not apply to are the relay races.
     That happened to be what the Grain Valley boys track team thrived in all season long. This past weekend, the Eagles earned all-state honors in the 4x200 and 4x400 relay races at Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City. Not only that, but senior Mason McCain went out with a bang, getting a medal in the 800-meter run.
     “It was really nice to see all three boys events that we brought get all-state,” head boys track coach Erik Stone said. “Everyone who came down here went home with a medal which is very exciting.” 
     The 4x400 team of Mason McCain, Logan Pratt, Jace Weems and Keagan Hart closed a strong state meet for the Eagles as they took eighth with a time of 3:26.73.
     “We ended our season with a medal, so it shows all the hard work that we put in this year,” McCain said.
     Added Weems: “We gave it our all. (Pratt and McCain) are going to college and we got this next year. We (Hart and himself) are going to come back and work hard.”
     All four had competed in one event earlier in the day.
     “We had a big break in between the 4x200 and 4x400 so I felt pretty good,” Hart said. “There wasn’t really any fatigue. “
     Weems, Pratt and Hart joined Caleb Larson on the 4x200 team that took seventh with a time of 1:30.45, giving Weems, Pratt and Hart two medals on the day.
     “It feels good (to be All-State),” Larson said. “We worked hard all off season and we came out every day in practice even when days were tough. We have a great group of guys here. We weren’t together all year, but we came together toward the end of the season.”
     The foursome wasn’t together all season due to Weems and Hart splitting time between the track and field and baseball teams. That didn’t seem to affect their chemistry, but didn’t come without challenges.
     “I am feeling it now,” Weems said of the body aches and fatigue from playing two sports in the same season. “We had a tough loss against Blue Springs in baseball (to end the season), so it was good to come out here and run and get our mind off baseball.”
     Hart echoed similar sentiments.
     “It does affect your body when you just go, go, go,” Hart said. “It’s really hard to balance those two. I have felt my body recover a lot better lately when I get to concentrate on just one sport.”
     That’s what McCain was able to do as his lone focus was track. Not only did he earn a medal in the 4x400, he was also all-state in the 800 with a time of 1:57.63.
     “It felt pretty good, I came out pretty fast,” McCain said of his individual performance. “I was able to just hold on. It was a good race overall.
     “I got very tired at the end. I knew the finish would be strong, so I set myself up in a good position in the final 200 meters.”
 

     The Board of Aldermen met May 23rd, approving a full slate of resolutions and ordinances. Under resolutions, the Board approved the purchase of new security surveillance cameras, the lease of a skid steer for Public Works, and the purchase of a new compressor at the Grain Valley Community Center to replace one that has failed.
     The Board also approved a resolution and related ordinance to amend the budget to rebuild SW Tisha Lane from SW August Lane to SW Gateway Court. Superior Bowen, who was completing milling on SW Tisha Lane, found that the remaining asphalt had completely failed, and according to the City report, dirt and mud could be easily seen. As a result, the street needed a total reconstruction. The cost of the project is budgeted at $35,000.
     The Board approved the second reading of an ordinance, allowing for the sale of the property known as the Nichols Building at 513 and 517 Gregg Street to Scottish Investments LLC. 
     In other business, the Board approved the appointment of Shawn Brady and the reappointment of Brain Bray and Norm Combs to the Grain Valley Parks and Recreation Board for three-year terms.
     The Board will next meet at City Hall on May 31st at 6:00pm for a workshop requested by Mayor Todd to discuss goals for the next few years.

     Grain Valley Schools has announced a community listening session to be held on Wednesday, June 1st from 6:30pm - 8:00pm in the Library Media Center at Grain Valley High School. The listening session is part of a process initiated by the district following the recent blowback following a board directive to remove "safe space" signage from classrooms at the high school.
     The Board approved an $11,600 contract with CESO Communications during their business meeting last Thursday. CESO Communications has been engaged to survey middle and high school students, facilitate conversations with groups of students and staff, and facilitate the community listening session on June 1st, with the goal of helping "inform decisions related to a positive and welcoming school climate at each of our schools, consistent with the goals of our district’s school improvement plan", according to Deputy Superintendent Dr. Brad Welle.
     Participants must live or work in the Grain Valley community and register ahead of time. To register, visit Ensuring a Welcoming School Community where Everyone Belongs (google.com). 
     Small table discussions, moderated by trained table leaders, will be the format of the June 1st meeting. CESO Communications will evaluate input gathered from student surveys, staff and student groups, and the community listening session to present a report approximately three weeks after the conclusion of these activities. 
     "School and district leaders will use the input to inform recommendations to impact school climate. Any recommendations will be shared with the Board for their review and consideration for approval as needed," Welle said.

     Grain Valley High School Track and Field athletes will be boarding buses Friday afternoon for State competition following an impressive showing at Sectionals last weekend in Mexico, Missouri. Among the highlights:
     Senior Mason McCain set the school record in the 800m run with a time of 1:56.21, breaking the previous record set by Dalton Miller in 2017 of 1:56.93. This record adds to McCain's collection of school records. McCain now holds 4 school records, 2 individual records in the 800 and 1600, and and two records as a part of a relay (4x8 and mile medley).
     McCain and 4x400m team members Pratt, Hart and Weems also qualified for State with a third place finish at Sectionals. 
     The Boys 4x200 relay team of Hart, Pratt, Larson and Weems capture the Sectional Championship with a time of 1:29.62. 
     McKenah Sears continues her impressive season in the Javelin, winning the Sectional Championship with a throw of 42.90m to qualify for State.
     The Girls 4x400m team of Ogle, Fisher, Rogers and Huffman finish fourth with a time of 4:03.86, and head to State competition as well.
     A police escort is planned on Thursday afternoon as the team leaves the high school to head to State competition. 

(Correction: police escort date was corrected from Friday to Thursday 4:26pm 5/26/2022)

     Mid-Continent Public Library will host its fifth-annual LitUp Festival, a free literature and arts festival created by teens for teens, on Saturday, June 4, at its North Independence Branch (317 W. 24 Hwy., Independence, MO 64050) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This year’s festival will feature keynote presentations by New York Times bestselling authors Christina Hammonds Reed and Neal Shusterman, as well as presentations and workshops led by a variety of other writers and creators.
     “LitUp is all about fostering creativity and building community among teens,” said MCPL Special Events Coordinator Sara Peterson-Davis. “This annual event gives kids the opportunity to gain inspiration from some of their favorite writers and creators and also learn how they can hone their own skills. Plus, they can spend time with new and old friends and enjoy free food and prizes!”
     The day-long event will offer attendees the opportunity to participate in creative activities, enjoy free snacks and lunch (while supplies last), and score some free books to take home. Plus, the first 200 attendees to register will receive a free, limited-edition LitUp swag bag! More information about LitUp and registration is available at mymcpl.org/LitUp.
 
2022 LitUp Schedule of Events:

• 8:00-8:30 a.m.
  • Registration
• 8:30-9:00 a.m.
  • Welcome/LitUp Creative Contest Winner Recognition
    • Participants of the LitUp Creative Contest submitted works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or art earlier this year. A panel of judges selected winners in each category, and the winning teens will receive prizes and recognition during the LitUp festival.
• 9:00-10:00 a.m.
  • Keynote: Christina Hammonds Reed, author of The Black Kids
• 10:00-10:30 a.m.
  • Book Signing with Christina Hammonds Reed
• 10:30-11:30 a.m.
  • Author Talk – Trung Le Nguyen, cartoonist and author of The Magic Fish
  • Author Talk – Shay Alexi, poet and author of Diary of a Ghost Girl
  • Fiction/Critique Workshop – Megan Bannen and Amanda Sellet
  • Nonfiction/Publication Workshop – Pembroke Hill Social Justice Club
• 11:30-12:45 p.m.
  • Free Lunch (while supplies last)
• 1:00-2:00 p.m.
  • Author Talk – Julie Berry, author of Lovely War
  • Author Talk – Susan Vollenweider & Beckett Graham, hosts of The History Chicks podcast
  • Poetry/Hip-Hop Workshop – Royce “Sauce” Handy, Kansas City-based activist and rapper
  • Graphic Arts/Illustration Workshop – James Rumfelt, illustrator of The Spectra Chronicles
• 2:00-3:00 p.m.
  • Creative Break featuring ScrapsKC/Ice Cream Time
• 3:00-4:00 p.m. 
  • Virtual Live Keynote: Neal Shusterman, author of Scythe and Thunderhead

 
    More information about LitUp, including program descriptions, presenter information, and registration is available at mymcpl.org/LitUp.
​

     The completion of the Chicago & Alton Railroad to Kansas City brought many “temporary” residents Grain Valley. By 1881, the business directory of the town included three doctors; G.U. Keener, James H. Daniels and J. W. Starnes.
     Others on the directory included J. H. Cannon, Justice of the Peace; owner of a general store and Postmaster J. A. Porter; Notary Public John Graves; general store owner Frank Gregg; general store owner William Morrow; depot agent J. A. Spindle; blacksmith George Kreigel; shoe repair shop owner H. A. Hamilton; painter Joseph Wright; carpenter and Joseph Keshlear; as well as a livery stable.
     Dr. George U. Keener and his wife Lucretia had 10 children, the youngest born in 1876 in Richmond, Missouri. So, I’m thinking that like many of the town’s early residents, he sought an opportunity for success near the railroad. Dr. Keener was listed four times on the directory as follows: Physician, Minister, Drug Store, and Hotel. I learned that in 1872 he had been appointed as a bishop for the Methodist Episcopal Church for the Boonville District. The family did not remain in Grain Valley for a very long time. From research on Ancestry I learned he was gored by a bull and died in Allenton, St Louis County, Missouri on October 4, 1889.
 
Killed by a Mad Bull
     Last Friday evening George W. Schweich received a  telegram from Allenton, St. Louis county, informing him that his father-in-law, Rev. Dr. G. U. Keener, had been fatally injured, and to come at once. Himself and wife left on the first train that evening arriving in Allenton that next morning at 9:15 o’clock, not however, in time to see the doctor alive, death having approached at 8:30 o’clock the same morning. Dr. Keener went to a sale Friday for the purpose of purchasing a bull, and before going, and after arriving at the sale, was warned and advised not to purchase the bull, as it was a vicious and dangerous animal, he finally concluded to make the purchase and take the chances, thinking that by kind treatment he could tame the animal. After the sale he took the bull home, and turned him loose in the lot, and afterwards went out to catch him. He had taken hold of the rope that was hanging loose from the bull’s head, and was trying to get hold of a stick fastened to the nose for the purpose of holding him off, but before he could get hold of it the bull made a lunge at him and threw him over his head. At that moment a negro man who was working in the field near by, discovered what was going on and ran to relieve the doctor, at the same time giving the alarm. Mrs. Keener heard him and ran to the lot to drive the bull away, and after he had plunged his horns into the doctor inflicting a mortal wound he turned upon Mrs. Keener and would have killed her had it not been for the negro man and a faithful dog, the first having a shot gun and the latter holding the bull by the head with its teeth. A shot from the gun ran the bull away, but he made a second attack and was again driven away. The doctor was then picked up out of a gully into which he had been thrown, and taken to the house. Upon arriving at the house his wounds were examined and it was found that the bull’s horn had entered and terribly lacerated his left lung, and seriously effected the nerves of his heart, and that his injuries were necessarily fatal. The deceased was a practicing physician and a local preacher of the M. E. church, and owned a splendid farm near Allenton, upon which he lived, and was highly respected by the community.

     I have not had an original thought in approximately 15 years. If I was a scientific researcher, this would worry me. But as a busy person who likes to get things done, I am pretty happy that somebody already thought about it and likely posted some of their pretty good ideas for me to use.
     I recently hosted a diaper shower brunch for one of my favorite families ever, one who will soon welcome their second, no doubt fabulous, child.  It was a joyous day that I enjoyed planning and preparing for. Or maybe I should say borrowed ideas for.
     One quick trip to Pinterest gave me the idea to have everybody bring the diapers and wipes, enough to keep that precious baby’s bottom covered and dry for quite a while.
     Pinterest guided me though everything else, too, from what food to serve, to writing funny messages to the parents for early morning changing times right on the diapers. I am no original.
    Sometimes I think I have thought up something brand new, only to have someone tell me they saw it on Tik Tok or a creative blog.
     For example, before there were 5,763 pins about repurposing pallets for furniture, I thought I was really on to something.  After determining pallets from work were just being junked, I asked permission to snag some. 
     With the help of my trusty, albeit somewhat reticent helper husband, we pried away some boards, added others, figured and reconfigured until we had some rough-hewn patio furniture, which I showed off to a friend.
    She was impressed with our work and told me I should check out a blogger who had basically redone her whole home using pallets for everything from wall art to storage cabinets, and who not only had constructed patio furniture, but had also used the pallets to lay a wooden walkway all around her garden.
     Are you kidding me?  I didn’t have an original idea?
     Several other cases in point of my non-original ideas include: combining assortments of odd refrigerator leftovers into tasty dishes, only to find someone served the same thing just last week; Valentine boxes during elementary years for my daughter, only to send her to school and have a classmate have a matching (generally better looking) box; and creative hairstyles when I am growing out my bangs, only to find out I am already a part of an online stylist’s look book. 
      I am in awe of people who just randomly come up with the next new, completely original idea. I want to meet the lady who was looking at a strawberry one day and thought, “I bet a drinking straw would make the perfect tool to remove that center.  Here, Grandma, hold the baby and let me try it.”
    I need to hang out with the genius who created the first bath bomb. I figure she was looking at a laundry detergent pod (in a carefully locked container so her not so bright teenager wouldn’t eat it) and thought, “Dang.  I wish they made these to use to get people clean.  Here, Sheila, hold the Shout wipes, and let me think this through.” 
     Better yet, maybe I want to meet the first hot chocolate bomb maker who was just thought it was too dang hard to add chocolate syrup and sprinkles and marshmallows all separately to the cup.  “Here, Harvey, hold the hot scalded milk while I form a chunk of this stuff.”
    I am sure I would quake with excitement to meet the gal who had the idea of a ponytail hat for women. She was probably on day three hair, was headed out to a happy hour, and grabbed her boyfriend’s ball cap on a whim, only to realize it was the fitted type.
     After trying for a minute to wedge her thick, healthy ponytail under the edge, she needed a better solution.
     “Here, Sandy. Hold my beer. I am gonna’ cut the crap outta Justin’s favorite hat to make room for my ponytail” then dug out a pair of rusty old nail scissors from the bottom of her purse and went to work. Get it, girl!
     I might be a little jealous of the patent holder of sticky notes or of those corrugated sleeves for hot coffee, since about 60 million of each of those are used in a single day, but for the most part, I am a cheerleader for those with bright ideas. “Hooray for you,” I think.  “Now I don’t have to think about it.”
    I do think special ‘props’ should go to people who had the ideas for over the top things like clothing that changes color based on the wearer’s mood and self-driving cars.  I mean those are really big ideas. Not good ideas, but big ones, right?
    And perhaps this is the place to let people know I am currently willing to pay a hefty price to anybody who has a good idea or two about how to communicate with teenage girls or a husband with selective hearing.  I am out of original ideas on those fronts, for sure.
    

     I have to admit; this is my favorite article to write each year. It’s not that I don’t thoroughly enjoy writing articles about tax-smart giving and donor advised funds because I actually do. But May is the month where I get to introduce you to Truman Heartland Community Foundation’s Toast to Our Towns Honorees and share their inspiring stories of philanthropy with you.
     It truly is a challenge for our Board of Directors to choose a small handful from among so many deserving nominees. Our community is made up of some truly thoughtful, generous, and caring individuals and companies. This year’s honorees are no exception. They have each gone above and beyond to create positive change in communities throughout the region. And they have compounded their efforts by inspiring those around them to do the same.
 
Heartland Humanitarians of the Year:  Joan and Steve Israelite
     Both Joan and Steve are positive, energetic, insightful, and selfless in their lifelong goal of bettering the community. Whether it be the impact of art, urban revitalization, empowerment through education, or Jewish heritage, Steve and Joan are dedicated to helping others by giving of themselves. Promoting Englewood Arts is their current project and they have introduced countless people in their extensive network to Englewood Arts and its vision of “a diverse and sustainable community in harmony with the arts”.
 
Heartland Corporate Citizen of the Year: Summit Homes
     Summit Homes is the largest new home builder in Kansas City. They are a Berkshire-Hathaway-backed team that has built more than 2,000 beautiful homes since opening in 2002. The Summit Homes team has won more than 120 awards for industry excellence, but the company’s real heart lies in its commitment to building and supporting strong and healthy children and communities. Summit Homes is a key supporter of Drumm Farm Center for Children, Boys and Girls Clubs of Kansas City, Wayside Waifs, and Harvesters to name a few.
 
Dr. Paul M. Thomson Professional Advisor of the Year Award:  Clint Anderson
     Clint Anderson is the First Vice President of Investments at Stifel Financial Corp. Over the past four years, he has proven to be a truly exceptional advocate for Truman Heartland Community Foundation, referring his philanthropic clients to us to establish charitable funds. He is deeply committed to assisting his clients in giving back to the causes they are most passionate about while managing overall investment and retirement goals.
 
     It will be the Foundation’s honor to recognize Joan and Steve Israelite, Summit Homes, and Clint Anderson at the 2022 Toast of Our Towns Gala on September 24 at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. In addition, area Mayors will present their citizens of the Year, individuals from their city who lend their time and talents to promote the community. You will hear about the Citizens in a future column.  It will be a very special night for everyone as we celebrate 40 years of private giving for the public good.
     I want to thank our long-time partner, Blue Ridge Bank and Trust Co., for being the Presenting Sponsor of the 2022 Toast to Our Towns Gala again this year. Truckmovers is also back with us as our pre-gala Cocktail Reception Sponsor, and Centerpoint will again be our Citizens’ Reception Sponsor. Community America Credit Union has joined us as a major sponsor this year and will sponsor our ever-popular Mix, Mingle and Music, after-party event providing cool jazz and hot coffee to wrap up the evening.
     Visit www.thcf.org/gala for more information about our 2022 honorees, available sponsorships, and past award winners.

     (StatePoint) Driving fatalities in the United States are at the highest point since 2008, yet new research reveals that many are unaware of the enhanced risk and are actively making choices that increase the danger on our roads.
     According to a new survey from Travelers, 57% of people think roadway safety is unchanged since before the pandemic. At the same time, over a third of drivers have experienced a near-miss because they were distracted while driving.
     Our devices are a large part of the problem. One-third of respondents believe it is acceptable to use technology while driving and even more admit to doing so -- 79% say they have made or received a phone call while driving, 74% have looked at map directions on a cell phone and 56% have read a text message or email. A growing number of drivers are also taking to social media, with 29% admitting to recording videos or taking photos using their smartphone, a number that’s increased since 2019 along with the rise of TikTok and other social media platforms.
     “When you’re behind the wheel, every second matters, and anything that occupies your mind or vision is a distraction,” says Chris Hayes, assistant vice president of Transportation and Risk Control at Travelers. “While it’s tempting to use your phone, especially when it’s alerting you to texts and calls, doing so is dangerous to you, your passengers and others on the road.”

     To help put a stop to distracted driving, Travelers is offering the following tips:

• Turn off notifications: Setting your phone to “do not disturb” before you begin driving is a good idea, as it can help prevent you from being tempted to check your phone for new notifications.

• Prepare beforehand: Check directions or set your GPS before you begin driving. Put your favorite playlist or radio station on before you hit the road.

• Let it wait: Do not make calls, text or otherwise manipulate your phone while driving. Even hands-free calls can pull your focus from the road. If you need to text, email, make a call, or use your phone for any other reason, pull over first.

• Recruit a passenger: Rely on your passengers to handle technology-related tasks, such as checking GPS, changing the music or radio station, and answering calls or texts.

• Speak up: Consider asking a distracted driver to put down their device. Eighty-seven percent of consumers who use a phone while driving say they would be less likely to do so if a passenger spoke up.

• Beware of other distractions: It’s important to make driving your number one priority when you’re on the road, and keep in mind that not all distractions are tech-related. For example, don’t wait until your commute to eat, brush your hair, or apply makeup. Take care of such tasks before you start the car.

For more tips and resources, including compelling stories about real-world victims of crashes due to distracted driving, visit travelers.com.

“There are more distractions than ever on today’s roadways. Ultimately, making a concerted effort to change behaviors will help prevent injuries and save lives,” says Hayes.

​May 18, 2022
700 Block Main St
Civil Matter - Citizen Contact

1200 Block NW Woodbury Pl
Check the Well-being

BB Hwy / Ryan Rd
Motor Vehicle Accident

100 Block Main St
Alarm

900 Block SW Sandy Ln
Check the Well-being

1200 Block Hilltop Ln
Suspicious Activity

1100 Block Aspin Ct
Suspicious Activity

1100 Block Buckner Tarsney Rd
Disturbance

1200 Block Hilltop Ln
Suspicious Activity

 
May 19, 2022
500 Block Eagles Pkwy
Trespassing

500 Block Eagles Pkwy
Suspicious Activity

BB Hwy / Fristoe
Agency Assist (JACO)

700 Block Main St
Burglary Past

Main and Jefferson Streets
Debris in Roadway

1200 Block Pamela
Alarm

1100 Block McQuerry
Animal Control

1400 Block Hilltop Ln
Citizen Contact

 
May 20, 2022
500 Block Eagles Pkwy
Suspicious Activity

700 Block Main St
Citizen Contact

Shorthorn and Foxtail
Suspicious Vehicle

1100 Block Burr Oak Ln
Alarm

400 Block Laura Ln
Area Check

800 Block San Kar
Citizen Contact

Montana Ridge / Hampton Court
Area Check

1200 Block Willow Dr
Assault

800 Block Shorthorn
Citizen Contact

300 Block Front St
Agency Assist (CJC)

400 Block Laura Ln
Solicitors

 
May 21, 2022
500 Block Centurion
Area Check

1100 Block Buckner Tarsney Rd
Area Check

1400 Block Minter Way
Agency Assist (CJC)

900 Block Foxtail
Citizen Contact

700 Block Main St
Citizen Contact

1100 Block Bush
Alarm

1500 Block Erin Ct
Area Check

31000 Block Argo Rd
Alarm

400 Block 1st St
Check the Well-being

Butterfly Trail
Area Check

700 Block Main St
Citizen Contact

Tisha Lane
Solicitors

Ryan / Stoney Point Roads
Animal Control

1100 Block 20th St
Agency Assist (OGPD)

 
May 22, 2022
1100 Main St
Property Damage

1000 Block Main St
Follow Up - Hit and Run Report

1100 Block Main
Follow Up - Hit and Run Report

400 Block Cross Creek
Suspicious Activity

200 Block Eagles Parkway
Agency Assist (Lafayette County)

100 Block Eagles Parkway
Agency Assist (CJC)

400 Block Cross Creek
Suspicious Activity

900 Willow Drive
Suspicious Activity

700 Block Main St
Standby to Prevent

Nelson & LeeAnn
Loud Noise Complaint

 
May 23, 2022
1300 Block Basswood Ct
Check the Well-being

1300 Block Basswood Ct
Civil Matter

1300 Block Blue Branch Dr
Agency Assist (IPD)

700 Block Main St
Citizen Contact

200 Block Main St
Citizen Contact

Buckner Tarsney & Sni A Bar
Motor Vehicle Accident

100 Block Blue Branch Cir
Citizen Contact

1300 Stoneybrook Dr
Suspicious Noises

700 Block Main St
Suspicious Vehicle

 
May 24, 2022
100 Block W Broadway
Parking Complaint

700 Block Main St
Walk-In Missing Juvenile

1100 Block Buckner Tarsney Rd
Agency Assist - MO State Highway Patrol

1300 Block NW Hilltop
Open Garage Door

700 Block Main St
Missing Juvenile Returned Home

 
Additional calls for service:
Domestic violence: 1

     Grain Valley golfer Owen Herbert had to be on his game.
     Throughout Day 2 of the Class 4 Missouri State High School Boys Golf Championships Tuesday at Meadow Lake Acres, the junior said it was in the back of his mind that he was in contention for an all-state honor.
     “When I looked up at the scores, I saw my name shoot up the leaderboard,” Herbert said. “It was pretty cool when I saw that.”
     He went from 18th place after shooting a 78 on Monday, to jumping all the way up to 11th after notching a 76 on Tuesday for a total score of 154, making him the first Eagles golfer to earn all-state honors since Shane Collins did in 2005 (the top 15 golfers in each Class earn all-state honors).
     “When they called me up to the front with everyone watching, it was a pretty surreal moment,” Herbert said of when he got his state medal.
     Herbert and the rest of his squad finished seventh out of eight teams with a team score of
671. Jaiden Wilson was 63rd after shooting a two-day score of 171, Charles Aldred was 68th with a 173 and Connor Nadeau was also 68th with a 173.
     “It was a great experience and three of the guys who competed will be back next year,” Grain Valley head boys golf coach Andy Herbert said. “The experience was invaluable for them. To see your team score up there when only eight teams from the state in your class get there is a special thing.”
     “The guys played well the first day and the second day wasn’t as good. But Day 2 is a different animal, and you wouldn’t know why unless you experience it. Any time there it’s championship day, there is just a different feel to it.”
     Owen Herbert had some challenges on his way to becoming all-state, but he was able to overcome them. On Hole 13, he drove a shot into the trees on the right and on his second shot he kept it in the trees. He ended up getting a bogey from there to help maintain his pace for a good score on a hole that could have kept him out of the top 15.
     “If I could have dropped the ball (and taken a one-stroke penalty), I would have lost a lot of momentum.” the junior said. “I made a long putt from the green to save bogey. That jump started my round and I played well from there.”
     Overall, Owen Herbert was consistent throughout the tournament.
     “Day 1 was a scramble day,” he said. “I wasn’t driving the ball great, but I was able to make some key puts to keep my head in the round. Day 2, I hit the ball a lot better. My wedge and my putter were key for me and I made some big puts here and there and really kept the momentum going.”
     And while earning all-state honors was a big moment for him, that wasn’t Owen Herbert’s favorite part of the state tournament. It was about having fun with his teammates.
     “My dad has been the coach of the program for a long time and I have been around the program for a long time,” Owen Hebert said. “Just to be a part of it with four other guys that love golf as much as I do was pretty cool.
     “We go out and practice and they love to do it. The golf was great, but hanging out in the hotel and eating on the way home was probably the best part, hanging out with the guys.”
     And that is camaraderie that Andy Herbert said is not common in a sport like golf.
     “This is the closest team I have ever been a part of,” Andy Herbert said. ”They practice and play together and on the weekends they got play as a group. It’s fun to see them reap the benefits of their work and do it together.” 

​Matthew Adams
Jackeline Alvarado
Chase Ambrose
Benjamin Anderson
Caleb Arnold
Mikaila Arnold
Alexis Arreguin
Elijah Arreguin
Jayleigh Askew
Ma'Kahia Askew
Allysiah Ayers
Konner Bachtel
Gage Baier
Ashton Barker
Genevieve Barker
Ethan Barnett
Maya Bartlett
Jason Bassett
Elizabeth Battles
Erin Battles
Addison Baumgartner
Kassidy Beal
Jack Beeding
Jacob Bennett
Jadien Bergstrand
McKenzie Beske
Aiden Bestgen
Brady Blankenship
Isaac Bledsoe
Anthony Boland
Paige Bopp
Caleb Bowles
Kooper Boyer
Ella Boyle
Kami Bradfield
Sterling Branson
Cylas Brewer
Alexander Brooks
Conner Brunk
Brendon Bryan
Ava Bunton
Isaac Burd
Kaylee Butler
Emma Carico
Ella Casey
Elijah Castle
Preston Castle
Mikayla Chairez
Collin Chambers
Isaac Charpie
Jacob Collins
Carter Compton
Kade Compton
Kaitlyn Conner
Sarah Cook
Jada Cooper
Madisyn Coppedge
Sky Crabtree
Brycen Crandall
Jason Crank
Sheldon Croan
Aleksandria Crocker
Tyler Cromley
David Crosley
Zachary Cross
Taylar Crume
Dawson Darby
Morgan Darling
Aubrey Davies
Adelynn Dedrick
Ryan DeHaan
Benjamin DeMonbrun
Cooper Dieckhoff
Aydan Doneyson
Cole Doolin
Hailey Downs
Charlsie Dressen
Joshua Duett
Sophia Durst
Olivia Duvall
Allison Esterley
Riley Fangman
Krista Farnsworth
Sawyer Farris
Dominic Ferrante
Tyler Fisher
Elijah Fischer
Thomas Fligg
Lillian Ford
Gage Forkner
Joh'Don Frazier
O'thaniel Frederick
Jenna Geib
Dominic Genari
Aden Gillette
Jaedha Godwin
Grace Gomez
Derek Gonzalez
Lilliana Gonzalez
Kamara Gorbet
Chelsea Gorden
Katelyn Greer
Hailey Griffitts
Zachary Habib
Hayden Hake
Cruz Haley
Seth Haley
Samantha Hall
Calvin Hamilton
Ja'Niya Hamilton
Rian Handy
Alyssa Hanenkratt
August Hansen
Kaden Harris
Jenny Hattey
Gracie Havard
Claire Hawkins
Cassidy Hayes
Emma Heagy
Morgan Heard
Summer Heinrich
Philip Helphrey
Kacey Henderson
Elizeck Hendricks
Autumn Hensley
Celeste Hernandez
Jenavieve Hernandez
Peyton Heyer
Emilee Hieronymus
Jillian Hight
Logan Hill
Olivia Hinton
Nicholas Hooper
Fisher Howell
Jordan Huber
Abigail Hudspeth
Avery Huffman
Dakota Hunter
Jasmine Hurst
Lauren Huston
Chloe Ireland-Killday
Darrin Jefferson II
Kaden Jeffries
Zachary Jenkins
Bailey Jinkens
Damien Johnson
Samantha Johnson
Jordan Jones
Madalyn Jones
Tucker Jones
Elizabeth Kamstra
Jaxon Kaylor
Ruthie Keats
Easton Knight
Emily Knowles
Joseph Kohne
Noah Krueger
Forest Kruse
Taylor Lackey
Tristan LaFoe
Dalton Larry
Samuel Laws
Caleb Lehmann
Michael Leonard
Dexter Letterman
Gage Levell
Ashlee Limbach
Sydney Lindley
Payton Lingle
Tomas Lopez Martinez
Morgan Manade
Cayden Marcum
Alexandra Martin
John Martin
Ian Mashburn
Caleb Matthews
Cora Mayernik
Noah McAnerney
Mason McCain
Jayden McConnell
Kennedi McCord
Caleb McCormick
TyCiah McDonald
TyMiah McDonald
Hayden Meyer
Jacob Mickelson
Katelyn Mitchell
Nicholas Mobley
Aneysha Molina
Ciara Monahan
Carlos Montez
Levi Moon
Ava Moore
Elijah Moore
Hunter Morales
Emily Moreno
Archie Morgan
Connor Morgan
Jacob Moriarty
Kyerstin Morris
Kyra Mueller
Giordan Mulvey
Raymond Myers
Lily Nabors
Connor Nadeau
Abigail Neer
Lillian Novich
Emma Oerly
Kellie Overturf
Joel Palecek
Lauren Parker
Skylar Pasley
Mackenzie Patton
Tanner Pendleton
Kilah Pennington
Jenna Peoples
Owen Perkins
Morgan Perry
Chloe Peterson
Trenton Peterson-Wyatt
Cambria Phillips
Jason Pittman
Kira Potter
Tristin Pouncil
Mia Powell
Logan Pratt
Ashton Qualkinbush
Jude Quick
Joseph Redfern
Bailey Reed
Eric Rhymes
Daishana Rice
Aonna-May Richards
Kaylan Richardson
Makayla Robinson
Elizabeth Rodriguez
Luke Rohr
Hayden Rowland
Jackson Rucinski
Steele Russell
Andrew Rutledge
Elena Sanchez
Hannah Sanders
Ethan Schaaf
Andie Scott
Clayton Sharp
Meghan Shelton
Micah Siems
BriLeigh Sims
Taylor Slack
Jaxson Slater
Bryce Smith
Olivia Smith
Tanner Spooner
Ayanna Staine
Colin Starr
Hudson Stephenson
Trevor Stone
Alexcis Stowe
Alexis Summers
Savannah Sweeney
Elorah Taylor
Thomas Taylor
Sterling Temple
Jackson Temples
Cooper Terry
Abigail Testa
Ryley Thompson
Jonathan Tipton
Cecil Torres
Emma Trowbridge
Robert Turnage
Isabella Turney
Grace Unruh
Gabriella Valverde
Kaitlin Vestal
Braden Walter
Grant Ward
Ethan Waters
Holly Weatherford
Trent Weber
Lauren Weidt
Jarrett Weigel
Delaney Wendleton
Jonah Werges
Erin White
Bailee Williams
Calvin Williams
Jackson Williams
Olivia Williams
Hope Wolfe
Jaston Wolfe
Kameryn Wolfe
Jenna Worthington
Molly Wright
Jaxon Wyatt
Lauren Yarber
Connor Yeagle
Evan Zimmerman

​Julian Allred
Mi'Kylah Blackmon
Jamel Bozeman
Richard Canon
Shelby Crall
Dominic Crook
Carson Dodson
Sean Eberhart
Jordin Epperson
Andrew Gann
Ezra Giffen
Nicholas Godden
Jacob Hampton
Breanna Hill
Derrick Hopkins
Audrey Hudspeth
Hunter Kelly-Zogg
Kacie Kubis
Kathryn Kudrin
Ryan McKeel
Mateo Medrano
Phoebe Michalski
Adam Milam
Adam Murphy
Grace Myres
Kal Nay
Colby Nielson
Makenna Rock
Gabriel Salgado
Dain Salsbury
Taryn Shiflett
Kaylee Spicer
Tiffany Sylvan
Santino Tauiliili
Alyssa Tarantola
Riley Tompkins
Kaden Valdez
Michael Weaver Jr.
Zachary Yearout

     The annual City Wide Garage Sale is this Saturday, May 21st. The event is not a City-sponsored event, but is traditionally held on the 3rd Saturday in May. A directory and map of sales scheduled this weekend can be found on the Grain Valley News website at 2022 Garage Sale Directory. 
     Once the garage sale is over, residents can continue spring cleaning efforts at the City Wide Clean Up event on June 4th from 8:00am - 2:00pm at 405 James Rollo Drive. Seniors (65+) may call 816-847-0091 by May 30th to schedule curbside pickup of items.

Know Before You Go:

• This is a free service to Grain Valley residents. Proof of residency will be required.
• Unwanted items may be brought to the disposal site. Items not accepted are listed below.
• Please remain in your vehicles at all times. City staff will assist with the removal of all items. 
• Please bag items such as insulation, carpet scraps, and other debris or they will not be accepted. 
  
  

The following items will not be accepted:

• Tires
• Paint
• Oil
• Refrigerators
• Household Cleaners/Chemicals
• Air Conditioner Units
• Bagged Trash
• Yard Waste or Clippings

     When was Grain Valley established? I supposed that would depend on how we interrupt our history. Some of you may recall an article I wrote two years ago about the original town (July 23. 2020). Part of that article included the statement on file with the Jackson County Recorder of Deeds:
     Know all men by those present that I James F. Lucas of the County of Logan in the State of Illinois do by those present set apart four acres of land located in the County of Jackson and the State of Missouri described as follows, that is to say, commencing fifty-eight feet south of northwest corner of the east quarter of the southwest quarter of Section (35) thirty-five, Township (49) forty-nine, Range 30, hence seven hundred and fifteen feet, hence east four hundred and forty feet, hence south to the railroad hence following the railroad due West one hundred and twenty feet hence south to the southern limits of the town hence West to the place of beginning making in all four acres more or less all of said tract of land situated on the Kansas City-St. Louis and (  ? )  railroad. For the ( ?  ) and purpose and profit of the town of Grain Valley.  The aforesaid town being laid off by Joseph Peters given under my hand and seal this fifth day of September A.D. 1878.  James H Cannon.
 
       For those of us who were around in 1978, we will remember the weekend celebration of our centennial. There was a parade with old-cars, horse drawn carriages, music, old-fashioned clothing,  and Tom Heidelberger and Ruby Johnson were named the Centennial King & Queen.  I remember! It made the newspaper!
     Last week, Grain Valley received a matching grant from Missouri Main Street. We hope you will soon see the results of that grant as the city and the business owners strive to revitalize the historic downtown area.  It was at that time that I saw a sticker with the words, “GRAIN VALLEY, EST. 1884.”  What? 1884? How can this be. However, a bit of internet searching led me to learn that our town was incorporated on July 11, 1884. Finally, Grain Valley became a 4th class city in 1945.
     So when did we become Grain Valley? I’m going with 1878! I’m celebrating our Sesquicentennial on September 5, 2028!
     After a certain age I realize I may not be around in 2028, but if I am I will celebrate then, too! And If I’m around in 2045 (which is highly doubtful, but who knows, I may live to be 99!) I will celebrate them. I never want to miss the opportunity for a good party!!!
     It’s not a party, but it will be fun. First Fridays, June 3, July 1, and August 5 will welcome the Friday Night food trucks to the downtown district. The Historical Society will be opened from 4 PM until 8:30pm. Stop in, enjoy our air-conditioning while you eat your dinner, visit our exhibits, and purchase a Grain Valley (established in 1878) tee-shirt!