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by Michael Smith Last season, the Grain Valley boys and girls track teams earned all-state honors in six out of seven events they qualified for. Every Grain Valley competitor earned at least one medal at the 2022 Missouri High School Track and Field Championships. This season, the Eagles will look to do the same as the boys team qualified for state in three events and the girls did in two during last weekend’s Class 5 Sectional 4 meet at Columbia Rock Bridge High School. For the boys, junior Stylz Blackmon qualified in the shot put, sophomore Blayden Pruett made it in the javelin and the 4x800 team of Nathan Allan, Landon Barnes, Rylan Smith and Carson Hill punched their ticket to state. For the girls, junior Izabella West qualified in the triple jump and sophomore Alyssa Carver made it in the pole vault. All of the Eagles who qualified for state will be making their first appearance at the event. Carver just missed out on going to state and sectionals last season at the district meet because she was tied for fourth place but lost a tiebreaker due to having one more attempt than the eventual fourth-place finisher. At this year’s sectional event, she finished third with a height of 3.29 meters in the pole vault. Currently, she is seeded fifth in the event and it appears she will have a good chance to earn all-state honors. All season, she finished first in nearly every meet she’s competed in. Sectionals was one of the rare times she did not. “I just didn’t have my best day,” Carver said. “It was a challenge to have to push through on an off day against tougher competition. “I was slow and my vault wasn’t moving. I didn’t do as good as I did at the other meets.” Carver said she thinks she has a good chance to earn all-state honors. “Probably not,” Carver said when asked if she thinks she has a chance to be a state champion. “There are girls ranked higher than me. So unless they had a really off day and I had a great day, I don’t think I can win it, but I can definitely place.” While Carver is a seasoned competitor in the pole vault, West competed in the triple jump for the first time this season. At the beginning of the season, the junior was trying to figure out what event was the best fit for her. One day at practice, she turned some heads when practicing the triple jump. That ended up being her permanent spot for the season. “Izabella was with us as a freshman and last year she decided not to come out,” Grain Valley girls track coach Nick Small said. “She came back this year and has been committed.” “She popped off in practice at the triple jump, and we’re like, ‘Hey! I think we can do this thing.’” West had one of her best performances at as sectionals as she took third with a distance of 11.31 meters. “I was a centimeter off from my personal record,” West said, “and that was my first jump, so I was pretty happy about that.” “I was aiming to win it but there is a girl who jumps a meter further. I have exceeded my expectations, especially since I started the triple jump in the middle of the year.” Pruett is one of those competitors that just took up throwing a javelin. His throw of 152 feet, 8 inches netted him a third-place finish at sectionals. “I didn’t throw the best I could’ve,” Pruett said. “It was enough to get me through to state.” His recent success it partly due to changing the focus of his technique., focusing more on his footwork than his arm movement. “I have been working on my steps more and not so much my power,” Pruett said. “It helped a lot doing that instead of trying to muscle it.” Blackmon is looking forward to his first state appearance, as he ranked 12th right now in the Class 5 shot put event. His throw of 49 feet, 2 inches was good enough for second place at sectionals. “At the beginning of the year, it was my goal to get (a throw of 15 meters),” Blackmon said. “I have been progressing steadily throughout the meets. I would definitely say I threw really well at sectionals. Me and Coach (David) Allie have really been working on my technical issues. “I just want to swing through and leave it all out there.” He said putting more of a focus on track, while still playing basketball and football was a big reason for his breakthrough 2023 campaign. “I came in as a sophomore and I really didn’t think much of track,” Blackmon said. “I thought it was something I could just do. I really didn’t think I could get anywhere with it.” “But coming into my junior year, I was the best shot put thrower we had. I had a throw of 13 meters coming in. I have come back bigger and stronger and realized I could make it far in this.” The 4x800 team, which took fourth at sectionals at 8:12.25, had a little luck on their side near the end of the race. A runner from Liberty Wentzville was on pace to get fourth but “got wobbly and tired” as he was closing in on the finish line. Smith pushed hard at the final leg of the race to take fourth and qualify just ahead of Blue Springs (8:13.9) and Liberty Wentzville (8:16.63). “We were 5 to 10 meters behind fourth place at the time,” Grain Valley boys track coach Erik Stone said. “The kid in front of us was running out of his mind and was running a really good split, then his legs gave out on him. He fell completely to the ground.” “I spoke to Coach Small after the race and said, ‘Rylan could have easily given up. Thinking, ‘OK. We’re fifth.’ Blue Springs was on our tail, too. But we were able to get fourth and that was awesome.” Added Hill: “It was a very nerve-wracking finish.” Allen said the best is yet to come for his relay team. “We were not satisfied,” Allen said. “We were in the mindset to survive and advance. We are going to work on getting that time down and running our best at state.” The Missouri State High School Track and field championships will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Friday and will end on Saturday at 4:40 p.m. Blackmon, Pruett, Carver and West will all compete on Friday and the 4x800 relay team will compete on the track at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.  Grain Valley junior Izabela West will compete in the Class 5 triple jump event at the Missouri State High School Track and Field Championships Friday at Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City. She qualified by taking third at sectionals with a leap of 37 feet, 1.75 inches. Photo credit: Michael Smith  Grain Valley sophomore Blayden Pruett will compete in the Class 5 javelin event at the Missouri State High School Track and Field Championships Friday at Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City. He qualified by taking third at sectionals with a throw of 152 feet, 8 inches. Photo credit: Michael Smith 
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Crews are putting final touches on the Culver's of Grain Valley, set to open at 10:00am on Monday, June 5th. Operating Partner Connor Hartnett said the weather was very cooperative during the construction process and hiring has gone very well. This is the 12th location for the operating group, and Hartnett had one piece of advice for those planning to join them on opening day. "Come hungry," Hartnett said. Hartnett said they will be well prepared to serve guests on day one, thanks to support from leadership at other stores in their group. "We're really fortunate in our organization to have a lot of restaurants in the Kansas City area, so we are able to pull trainers from all of those locations to make sure our team is well prepared and trained by the best." Hiring has gone well at the Grain Valley location, but they are still welcoming additional applicants 16 and older during an open hiring event this week (May 22 - 26 from 11:00am - 2:00pm or 3:00pm - 6:00pm). "We've been super fortunate as far as hiring is concerned," Hartnett said. Hartnett said their people are what make their restaurants stand out among other quick service options. "We really work to make sure every person we hire is not just a good employee, but a good person. It may sound corny, but we really are a family here, and that is how we approach our hiring." For those planning to dine on opening day, Hartnett suggests guests turn at the light on Jefferson and use the access road behind the restaurant to eliminate any traffic jams on Buckner Tarsney Road. Following a ribbon cutting hosted by the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, June 3rd, the restaurant will open to the public on Monday, June 5th at 10:00am. Culver's of Grain Valley is located at 1180 NW Buckner Tarsney Road.  Courtney Dempsey, General Manager (left) and Connor Hartnett, Operating Partner (right), are busy preparing final details for the restaurant's opening on June 5th. Photo credit: Valley News staff
 Photo credit: Grain Valley Schools Congratulations to the 2023 Grain Valley High School and 2023 Sni Valley Academy graduates. Grain Valley High School's graduation ceremony was held Monday, May 22nd at Cable Dahmer Arena. 2023 Grain Valley High School graduates: Josie Lynn Adams Rhylan Marcellino Alcanter Rula Iyad Alkhatib Annika Rae Allen Jake Rogers Allen Mattie Lauren Allen Nathan Anthony Allen Cecilia Alvarado-Damian Maria Guadalupe Alvarado-Damian Lexi Jo Arndorfer Makayla Kawipuilani Arrington Dru Robert Azcona Cooper Liam Bailey Joshua Bradley Bailey Brock Harvey Baker Hailey Alexandra Ballard Tanner Jackson Barker Kylie Jase Barnett Lilly Maryn Barszczak Rylee Jo Bartholow Athena Rayne Nieves Bates Peyton Louise Bell Brianka Noel Benjamin Mason Matthew Berry Lindsey Nicole Bertling Lori Anita Bickham Clayton West Bivens Alivia Raye Blackmore Kaylynn Elizabeth Bly Carter Anthony Bohanon Kennedy Lane Bohanon Pierce Nathaniel Bousselot Cameryn Alyssa Bown Dylan Michael Braden Cydnee Banks Bradley Bain Alexander Broadhead Kendrah Alayn Brooks Grace Ann Brotherton Amanda Grace Brown Paige Renee Brown Piper Lauren Buddemeyer Anthony Wendell Burch Averie Rae Burge Jayden Christopher Burress Kendall Daveon Butler Kenya Dave'onne Butler Adelyn Lottie Bybee Emma Marie Carey Chloe Elizabeth Carrillo Donovan Paul Case Lillian Grace Cassidy Dante Santiago Castilleja Adelyn Paige Caswell Kyle Michael Cave Alexander Michael Cerra Cooper Anthony Cerra Isabel Kay Chairez Spencer Gordon Herschal Chase Olivia Christine Chatburn Yumiko Chen Robert Ethan Clasby Ella Grace Clyman Bruno Vanz Collares Kayley Marie Coney Aimee Grace Cook Austin Paul Cook Xavier McGuire Cook Shania Shaylee Cope Hannah Elisabeth Copple Regan Danielle Costigan Bracyn Indy Crain Jeremiah David Creech Katelynn Michele Deylane Cross Hannah Elizabeth Crutcher Andrew Steven Czeschin Giovanni Rivera D'Angelo Carson Lee Davis Jordan Maxine Davis Caton Linlee Day Audrey Lynn Deberry Caitlin Ashley DeBerry Anthony Jacob Diaz Beckett Henry Disco Thomas Jackson Doolin Colton James Drollinger Tyeler James Duncan Makayla Anna Marie Dyer Fiona Aleen Edwards Cole Jayden Elliott Karsen Jacob Emry Lahndon Lee Silas Faltynowski Laina Marie Faulk Cynthia Lynette Ferrer Reagan Lee Fisher Christian Dean Fite Marie Elizabeth Frazier Mason Rose Frerking Jonathan Thomas Gann Avery Jackson Garmon Ryleigh Nyte Garrison Michael Ray Gassen Logan Michael Giese Tyler Lee Gifford Jacob Michael Gleich Luke Thomas Gniotczynski Leighton Xander Godwin Alexia Destiny Goodell Kaitlynn Deanna Goosey Macey Ann Gower Alana Reeann Graham Evan Christopher Green Tyler Dalton Groves Nickole Rae Gunlock Sophia Rachel Hackett Theron James Hackworth Jordyn Marie Haile Trent Leslie Hailey Skylar Marie Hall Ryan Hunter Halteman Keegan Christopher Handy Joseph Reed Hansuld Westin Lee Haralson Ethan Michael Harris Keagan John Hart Eiley Gail Hartley Katelynn Bell Hayworth Ryan Nicholas Heidrich Samantha Mercedese Heinrich Nathaniel Michael Heinz Hailey Grace Hemme McKenna Michele Henry Owen Andrew Herbert Isadora Elizabeth Herman Hayden Bruce Hermon Crysta Marie Hernandez Conner Scott Herrbach Landry Elizabeth Hicks Carson Scott Hill Katie Nichole Hobbs Keegan Gabriel Holcomb Avree Jade Hollis Gabrielle Diore Holman Maxwell Christian Hoover Sara Jacquelyn Hubbard Taden Michael Huerter Maddux Dean Hughes Dru McKenna Iles Jaydn Elizabeth Jarman Conner Michael Johnson Ethan Otto Johnson Marissa Lynn Johnson Lynnette Marie Jones Mallory Paige Jones Ryan Robert Peter Jones Kessid Hope Keim Mackenzie Elizabeth Keller Olivia Josephine Kelley Payton Nolan Kennedy Jasmonee Niyonda Inise King Rory Daniel Kirkpatrick Lauren Michelle Kitsmiller Carly Jo Koerner Leland Robert Kohne Zachary Joseph Konko Dominic Alexander Korycki Kenzie Marie Lair Ryan Wayne Lampe Christian Kaiyon Lanear Ian Edward Langschied Alexys Marie Lares Robert Michael Larkin Caleb Jeffrey Larson Dylan Ryan Laughlin Isaac Douglas Laws Kyler Lee Lemery Ava Lin Hunter Allen Lingle Drew Danielle Linthicum Emmalee Elizabeth Lockwood Kelsey Ann Loges Logan Thomas Long Addyson Mara Lyford Holly Lynn Malicoat Jansynn Rylin Kate-Spiva Martin Seth Patrick Martin Megan Ashley Mazzarella Taylor Christine McClain Drew Douglas McDonald Trent Alexander Melton Kaleena Nicole Menzsa Allison Marie Meyers Kaitlyn Jean Mickelson Hannah Roxann Middaugh Ethan Grant Miller Gabrielle Nicole Miller Kiera Jade Miller Hannah Reese Millier Aidan Christian Moffet Alaysha Annette Molina Diego Ryan Montez Michael Lon Montgomery Jr. Mason Stone Morris Mattie Wambui Mwangi Carmen Elizabeth Myers Tyler Keith Lowell Myers Gavin Gene Mygatt Quinn Liberty Newgaard Lexie Cathryn Nicholson Mara Faith Niemeyer Stephen Joseph Nuttall Alayna Christine Patel Lexie Louise Pederson William Nicholas Peterson Jacob Andrew Pittman Hunter Stephen Pittsenbarger Chloe Diane Plummer Katherin Maria Portillo Blake Layne Prewitt Asher Owen Randall William Scott Randolph Nathanial Louis Rathmann Maximus Cole Reardon Juliana Nicole Reece Peyton Mac Reed Mia Alison Reeder Evan Mason Reich Averi Grace Reynolds Everett Jake Richards Cadyn Lewis Riling Braxton Clark Roach McKenzie Jordyn Roeder Madison McKenzie Rogers Kayla Danielle Rolley Keren Ivania Rosario Paige Elizabeth Ryan Ty Jasper Sanders Gabriella Isabelle Sanjur Austin Raymond Schmitt Avari Elise Schwenk Ethan Cole Schwirtz Peyton Wilford Schwirtz Alexandria Monique Scott Trae Lelei Craig Selemaea Allison Ann Shafer Allison Nicole Shields Danika Nikole Sickle Chase Thomas Simpson Ethan Reed Simpson Grace Kay Slaughter Brock Wesley Smith Emma Victoria Smith Alexander Thomas Snyder Mariah Elise Snyder Carlee Denise Solomon Katelyn Nicole Spangler Adler Paul Stahel Ellie Kristine Stahl Rhea'leigh Solveig Stanley Madison Lee Stansbury Keili Danielle Stevens Kellen David Stevens Jackson Lloyd Stewart Gary Brayden Stolle Jade Savannah Stone Payden Rae Stone Riley Alan Strickland Chloe Elizabeth Sutton Caitlin Kaey Ying Tan Mia Rose Tarantola Eli John Taylor Nathaniel Robert Joseph Testa Delaney Brooke Thompson Tanner Allen Todd Norah Gayle Townsend Reece William Troyer Christopher Michael Turkaly Jacob Lee Turman Wyatt Webb Van Cleave Aundria Nicole VanHeel Payton Alexandria VanHook Jendayah Tamar Vaughn Daniel Villegas Dawson Matthew Wagner Finley Ella-Brooke Waldren Sky Ann Marie Walton Emily Rose Wampler Cameron Dean Ware Cory'Onna Marie Wasson Audrey Kaye Weathers Jace Dalton Weems Sydnie Lynn Weimer James Robert Welzel Isabella Grace West Owen Mac White Riley Marie Wiedenmann Owen Michael Wiese Andrea Nicole Wiggins Vincent William Wilkins Camihle Amerie Williams Cooper Chase Williams Zane Alexander Williams Jaiden Dean Wilson Ryan Andrew Withrow William David Woods Sni-Valley Academy graduates: Jordan Ali Amjad Shyann Marie Josephine Johnson Becchina McKenna Faith Bishop Jacksen Wyatt Broyles Victor Armon Burnett Luke Richard Buxton Alyssa Nicole Cannon Tyler Abraham Carlos Alexis Raeann Caulfield Jackson Connor Chambers Abbielynn Mary Coleman Jadyn Reigh Cunningham Josephine Eve Duckworth Maggie Sofia Duplantis Ethan Riley Edmonds Savana Rain Fletcher Kelsie JoAnn Frame Hana May Francis Bradley Cole Gildehaus Lucas Michael Gilliland Kylie Elizabeth Gramiling Connor Dwayne Heitman Zoey Jaden Henderson Macy Jade Horton Addelyn Darrah Rebecca Howard Kodi Ann Marie Humbird Trinidee Marie Hutchison Josiah S Juarez John Christopher Keeney Jaxsen Lee Kennedy Cooper Patrick Kenyon Coleson Lee King Colin James Meece Payton Lynn Miller Kameron Lee Naylor Vanessa Ann Nicholson Delaney Rhen Nielsen Dalton James Otto Bella Kristina Rold Paul Puaaelo Schiffer Jr Phebe Lynn Sebastian Connor Joseph Smith Jaydon Austin Sprouse Aldrick Elliott Stirling Jadon Anthony Wayne Summers Victoria Ann Swartz Lillie Rayne Tipton Jackson Paul Tyler Sydney Christine Weinzirl Gavin Lee West Grayer Ross Wheelock Najfia York  by Cole Arndorfer, Staff Writer The Board of Aldermen met on May 22nd for their regularly scheduled bi-weekly meeting. The meeting included approvals of six resolutions, approval of four bills to amend city code with the approval of the first reading of two more, as well as staff reports and a report from Mayor Todd. In the resolutions portion of the meeting, the aldermen heard, and approved six resolutions. Resolution R23-37 was approved by the aldermen for the city administrator, Ken Murphy, to buy out the remaining balance on a skid loader the Public Works Division had on lease. Murphy said that the plan for Public Works had been to buy out the lease on the skid loader when the money was right and now is that time. Resolution R23-38 was approved for Murphy to renew the annual software maintenance and support agreement with Brightly Software. This renews the contract with Brightly Software which has been used for asset management software and accurate recordkeeping by Public Works. Resolution R23-39 was approved to reappoint Becky Gray to the Grain Valley Parks and Recreation Board for another three-year term. Resolution R23-40 was approved to allow Murphy to enter into a contract with the Fagan Company for HVAC maintenance and services on city buildings and equipment. Resolution R23-41 was approved to allow Murphy to enter into a contract with A&A Electrical Inc. to provide electrical services as needed on city buildings and equipment. The final resolution was R23-42. It was approved to allow Murphy to enter into a contract with Summit General Contracting LLC for building maintenance as needed on city buildings. Under ordinances, the aldermen heard and approved four bills to amend city code on their second reads. Bill B23-15 was approved to authorize a grant from the Department of Transportation to construct a 10-foot-wide trail along Buckner-Tarsney Road from the Blue Branch Creek Trail north to Nelson Drive. Bill B23-16 was approved to authorize a grant from the Department of Transportation to construct a 10-foot-wide trail along Eagles Parkway from the Blue Branch Creek Trail to Main Street/Buckner-Tarsney Road. Bill B23-17 was approved to amend the 2023 budget in order to fulfill the requirements for the grants received by the city for the construction of the trails. Bill B23-18 was approved to add stop sign locations to the Code of Ordinances. Community Development Director, Mark Trosen, said that the city will get to work adding those stop signs as quickly as they can. Two other bills were heard by the aldermen and approved to come back for a second read. Bill B23-19 was approved to be brought back for a second read at the next scheduled meeting on the condition that the language was amended to allow for the agenda for aldermen meetings to be printed and posted on the bulletin board in City Hall. This bill is to add a chapter to the Code of Ordinances and set in stone practices already in place and being used by the city relating to Sunshine Laws and public records requests. Bill B23-20 was approved to be brought back for a second read at the next scheduled meeting. This bill would annex property for Grain Valley Safety Storage LLC into the corporate limits of the city. In staff reports, Community Development Director Mark Trosen, said that the city will be hosting the city-wide cleanout event from 8 am to 2 pm on June 3rd at the public works facility. Trosen also said the Public Works Division is also extending the pickup for senior residents on June 1st and 2nd. Seniors must request this service before May 26th by contacting Public Works Assistant, Stefanie Ambrose, at 816-847-6274. The Household Hazardous Waste collection event will also occur on June 3rd at the Jackson County Public Works facility from 8 am to 12 pm. Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Davies said, “park staff has been busy getting the Grain Valley Aquatic Center ready for opening,” and that the aquatic center will open Saturday, May 27th at 12 pm for the summer season. Lastly, in the Mayor’s Report, Mayor Todd brought up concerns from businesses on Walnut Street such as Scout Coffee and Iron Courtyard that they were not getting the crowds from First Friday’s like expected. The aldermen approved an amendment to the First Fridays map to close down half a block of Walnut Street between the alleyway and Gregg Street to allow for a couple food trucks to be down that street and encourage crowds to flow that way. Mayor Todd also brought up concerns over the City View publication, noting that many copies go unread which means that there may be better ways for the city to spend that money. After brainstorming ideas for how to change the ways of getting that information out, Mayor Todd and the aldermen settled on exploring the ideas of using postcards with QR codes that linked to an online version of the publication, podcasts, email subscriptions, and advertising in the publication for the future. The next Board of Aldermen meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 12th at 7 pm at City Hall.  by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society The Historical Society calendar page for May features the World War II Memorial Honor Roll. During my childhood and throughout most of my teen years, the Honor Roll was in a predominate location in Grain Valley. It stood on Main Street between Mrs. Savage’s little house and the Christian Church. If you came to Downtown Grain Valley, you could not miss it. In August and September of 2020, three articles appeared in this column about the Honor Roll. At that time I mentioned the two women on the roll, sisters Loubell and Dorothy Becker, both army nurses. I also talked about brothers, brothers-in-law, and other relatives on the Honor Rolls. And finally, I gathered information about the six stars on the board representing Grain Valley “boys killed in action.” Which asked the question, why did we call them boys, when they so obviously were men? The answer is also obvious, they were all very young, really just boys! I do not believe we can see this photograph too often and that is why it is in this year’s calendar. Although all of these young men, and women, are no longer living, putting the photograph in the 2023 calendar is yet another way to thank them for their service. And now, if I may editorialize here –why don’t we have an Honor Roll in Grain Valley today? I think it would be a great way to recognize the young women and men of our community who are currently serving in our armed forces. If you would like to read more about the names on this Honor Roll, visit the Grain Valley Historical Society and we’ll share our information with you. We would love to talk with you about a future Honor Roll in Downtown Grain Valley! Maybe this could be a NHS or Eagle Scout project! Visit the Historical on Wednesdays from 10 AM-3 PM.   by Bethany Bachmann, Field Specialist in Horticulture, bachmannb@missouri.edu Additional information from Dr. Trinklein, MU Adjunct Professor, and Cathy Bylinowski, MU Horticulture Instructor, bylinowskic@missouri.edu Rhubarb is in season May to June in Missouri. It is rich in vitamin K which helps in blood clotting and bone formation. Rhubarb also contains vitamin C. How to Grow Rhubarb- Spring is a good time to plant rhubarb, a perennial vegetable that favors cool weather. It produces large leaves attached to succulent stalks or petioles that grow from short, thick underground rhizomes. Rhubarb is a full-sun plant that needs at least six hours of direct sun each day. Since it favors cool weather, rhubarb benefits from some afternoon shade in Missouri. It does not grow well in most of southern Missouri because of higher summer temperatures. It tolerates a variety of soil types but prefers those high in organic matter. Like most perennial plants, rhubarb needs excellent drainage. Do not grow rhubarb where water will stand at the base of the plant or in soils with high clay content. Garden beds with composted manure and other forms of organic matter improve poorly drained soils and create ideal growing conditions for rhubarb. Add about 2 to 2.5 pounds of a complete garden fertilizer such as 10-10-10 per 100 square feet of garden area at the start of growing season. A light side dressing of a fertilizer high in nitrogen or application of 2-3 inches of compost or manure after harvest also helps rhubarb stay healthy. Crown divisions of rhubarb become available in the spring at garden centers, nurseries, and from online nursery catalogues. Plant rhubarb in a shallow trench. Each dormant growing point, or bud, should be about a half-inch below the soil’s surface. Mature rhubarb plants are large. Space plants 2 to 3 feet apart in rows separated by at least the same distance. Firm the soil around the crowns, then water. Keep plants uniformly moist during establishment and avoid overwatering. Do not harvest rhubarb the first year. Do not use rhubarb leaf blades for cooking. They contain oxalic acid, which crystallizes in the kidneys. Only the leaf stalks of rhubarb can be eaten safely. Harvest from healthy rhubarb plants lasts about two months. To harvest, grasp the leaf stalk near its base and pull it to one side while twisting the stalk. Since cuts encourage crown rot, avoid harvesting rhubarb with a knife. Remove the toxic leaf blade soon after harvest. Refrigerate in plastic bags and use the stalks within five to seven days or freeze. Frozen rhubarb lasts about one year. Remove flower stalks when seen. This forces the plant to put its energies into the leaves and roots instead of flowers and seeds. Selection of stalks for cooking- Choose stalks that are firm and crisp. Avoid wilted or very thick stalks which can be woodier than others. Unwashed rhubarb should be wrapped with a paper towel and stored in the crisper drawer for best results. Rhubarb stalks can last up to three weeks stored in this manner. Recipe of the Month Some people love the sour flavor of rhubarb, as in the recipe below. Others like to combine rhubarb with other fruit, such as strawberries, to lessen the intense sour flavor. You can experiment and see what you like the best. Rhubarb Muffins Ingredients:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a muffin tin with paper liners. 2. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients with a whisk. 3. In another bowl, mix the yogurt, butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Add to the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the rhubarb. 4. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. If desired, sprinkling tops of each with sugar. 5. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. 
The kickoff to summer is officially here and cookouts are in full swing! Break out the grill this Memorial Day and enjoy time with your guests outside – cooking up everything from sides to main dishes. Grilling allows you to prepare a balanced meal for your guests, from fruits and vegetables to your favorite lean protein and even toasting those whole-wheat hamburger buns. Let the grill be the star and you become the master behind the grill this Memorial Day with these dietitian-approved tips on how to grill your whole meal from produce to protein! First – let’s tackle why your grill is such a great cooking method to utilize on a regular basis. To start, grilling is a healthier alternative to frying or other cooking methods because it allows the fat to naturally drip away during the cooking process. This results in leaner proteins – cutting down on fat and total calories, along with allowing extra sauces and oils to drip away, further reducing potential added sugar or fat found in sauces, marinades and cooking oils. Next – the versatility of your grill can’t be beat! Practically anything that can be cooked indoors can be prepared outdoors on a grill. Even small items like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and slices of zucchini can be grilled on skewers or in a grill basket. Last – it’s practical because outdoor grilling allows you to skip using the oven and subsequently heating up the house while running your air conditioning. Plus – you can socialize with your guests who are enjoying the cookout outside rather than having to step away from the party each time you need to check on the food. Just because cookout season is here doesn’t mean you won’t reach or maintain your health and wellness goals this summer. You can enjoy fruits, vegetables, proteins and whole grains – all straight off the grill – helping you create a balanced and flavorful meal. It’s important to skip the food guilt and help yourself to foods you enjoy – moderation is key! Serving grilled fruits and vegetables will not only help you and your guests hit the 5-a-day recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, but they will love having an alternative to traditional salads served at cookouts! Fruits and vegetables pack in a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, plus a dose of fiber to help balance blood sugar and keep you full longer. Find our top dietitian tips for grilling up the perfect produce below. Plus create a balanced meal with our tips for perfectly grilled proteins and grains! Fruit Fruits such as nectarines, peaches, pineapple, watermelon and more are great for grilling. Just avoid grilling overly ripe fruit as grilling caramelizes the natural sugars in fruit and weakens the structure. Starting with overripe fruit can result in a mushy final texture or it may fall apart. For the best success, try cutting fruit into larger chunks, using a grill basket or skewering after brushing with a neutral cooking oil that will stand up to the high heat like Chosen Foods Avocado Oil. Vegetables Kabobs are a great way to serve up grilled vegetables! For the best flavor, try tossing your vegetables in a neutral, high-heat cooking oil or quickly marinating (20 minutes or less) cut vegetables with your favorite spices, herbs and Chosen Foods Avocado Oil to pack in extra flavor! Check out the recipe below for delicious Grilled Veggie Fajita Kabobs to serve at your Memorial Day cookout. Protein Pairing your fruit and vegetable sides with protein at your Memorial Day cookout is a great way to serve up a satiating meal to your guests! Opt for lean proteins such as fish, ground beef that is 90% lean or greater, ground turkey, chicken breasts or pork tenderloin. Protein not only helps fill you up at mealtime but balances blood sugar at meals and is associated with building and maintaining muscle mass. Just be sure to grill your protein until it reaches the proper internal temperature for a food safe celebration! Grains Impress your guests by quickly toasting whole-wheat hamburger or hot dog buns, serving up grilled slices of artisan bread such as ciabatta, or grill-ready garlic bread. Save grilling grains for last as they cook quickly! To grill bread or buns, lightly brush cut sides with oil. Place cut sides directly onto grill grates, grilling for 1 to 2 minutes or until toasted to your preference. For more grilling tips and tricks, reach out to your local dietitian or check out Hy-Vee’s Grilling Guide! Grilled Veggie Fajita Kabobs Serves 5 (1 each) All you need: ½ (0.9-oz) pkg Good Graces organic gluten-free veggie fajita seasoning (1½ tbsp) 1 tbsp Chosen Foods Avocado Oil 1½ tsp Full Circle Market light-colored agave nectar 1½ tsp fresh lime juice 10 mini sweet peppers 1 medium zucchini, cut into ½-inch-thick slices ½ medium red onion, sliced into ½-inch-thick slices 1 cup cherry tomatoes ½ cup halved baby bella mushrooms Crema agria sour cream, for serving Avocado hot sauce, for serving Fresh cilantro, for garnish All you do:
Recipe adapted from: May/June 2023 Hy-Vee Seasons magazine This information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice. 
Deepfake or synthetic videos are a scary new form of technology that criminals are using to commit blackmail and identity theft cyber scams. Deepfakes have been around for a while with people using them for entertainment purposes and you've probably already seen this type of technology in use such as popular deep fake videos featuring Jim Carrey's face replacing Jack Nicholson's in The Shining or Jerry Seinfield's face replacing the man hiding in the bathroom in Pulp Fiction. There are tons of examples of deep fakes floating on the web that are entertaining, but now you need to beware because criminals with the help of AI are able to create videos so convincing, they can fool anyone. What is a Deep Fake Video? Deepfake videos use an artificial intelligence (AI) technology called deep learning. Deep learning works by collecting information to 'get smarter' about the task it's set to perform. In the case of deep fake video software programs, it's designed to analyze data when it comes to facial structure and facial movements in the video. When the deep fake software gathers enough information, it can take existing photos and superimpose them over an existing video and match out the face structure and movements generating a realistic video that is fake. What is even more troublesome, with current AI technology you can generate one of these videos in as little as 8 minutes. How Can Criminals Scam You? One of the things that makes deep fakes scary is there are a number of programs that are easily available on the internet, and you don't need a high-end graphics computer or extensive video editing knowledge to create fake videos. Also, in our digital world, criminals or even malicious strangers can easily get video and audio of you from online sources such as social media. Types of Deepfake Scams: Phishing Scams. Phishing is the act of acting as if you're an authority figure or a trusted business. Criminals can create videos that look as if they come from a trusted source to scam you out of money. Blackmail. Criminals can threaten to send suggestive and inappropriate videos that have been altered to have your face to your friends and family unless you pay the demanded ransom. Identity Theft. Criminals can capture images, video and audio of you on social media and then use that information to trick people into giving out your personal information that criminals can use to assume your identity. Workplace Phishing Scams. In this world of virtual working, it's easy for a criminal to get information photos of your workforce, this can then be used to trick you into giving up critical company information. Political Scams: Political deep fake scams involve using deep fake technology to create fake videos or audio clips of political figures. These videos or audio clips are used to spread false information or to change public opinion. How to protect yourself from AI-deep fake scams. This new wave of tech scams goes way beyond avoiding clicking on links and spotting when a phone scam appears on your phone. It's important that you pay double attention when trying to avoid deepfake scams as they appear. The best thing you can do is to trust your instincts. if it doesn't feel right to you, then it probably isn't. Other things to look for are: The lips aren't in sync with the video. You notice that the subject in the video has a jerky movement. Facial skin tone doesn't match up to other body parts. There are noticeable shifts in video lighting from one frame to the next Strange blinking or no blinking at all. Good basic security procedures will always be effective at stopping all cyber threats. Other things you should implement are: Make sure you, your family, and your co-workers know how to spot a deep fake. Learn how to identify reliable news sources and don't rely only on social media for your news. Become a skeptic when it comes to voicemail and videos. Always make sure your files are automatically backed up on all of your devices. This will help you if you or your company falls for a ransomware attack. Stop using passwords and start using passphrases for all of your online accounts. Use different passwords for all of your online accounts to keep them safe from the hands of criminals. If someone gets into one of your online accounts, you don't want them to be able to get into your other accounts. Hopefully, this post has given you the information you need to stay safe from the dangers of Deep Fake AI Scams. If you need further assistance, please reach out to me with any questions you might have. I am always happy to help! 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. 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 can help you with any IT needs you might have. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829.  by Phil Hanson, President and CEO, Truman Heartland Community Foundation Community foundations are nonprofit organizations that work to address the unique needs and challenges of their communities by providing financial resources, expertise, and leadership. Community foundations bring together donors, community leaders, and nonprofit organizations to work collaboratively towards common goals such as improving education, supporting the arts, promoting health and wellness, and alleviating poverty. By pooling resources and knowledge, community foundations can make a significant impact on the lives of those they serve. Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) strives to play a critical role in building strong, resilient, and vibrant communities throughout suburban Eastern Jackson, Cass, and Lafayette Counties. Our commitment to building a better community is strong. Beyond our standard donor services, the Foundation is committed to improving the lives of individuals and families in the community by supporting community-focused strategic initiatives: issues and problems that impact the lives of our friends and neighbors. One of our key initiatives is Job Skills for New Careers, which aims to help hard-working adults develop the skills needed to obtain employment in a job that pays a living wage and has a career path. The Foundation has teamed up with Community Services League and their New Skills program to provide (at no cost to the trainee), high-quality training and resources to help people identify and pursue new career paths. THCF fundholders donated more than $200,000 in 2022 to help provide critical support for the program. This includes wrap-around support services provided by Community Services League, such as personal finance and career coaching, gas cards, and utility assistance. The availability of comprehensive wrap-around services removes many of the common barriers that can prevent someone from successfully completing the training. Since 2020, nearly 300 people have completed the program, receiving industry-recognized certifications in high-demand career fields. Another important THCF initiative is the Youth Advisory Council (YAC), our “School of Philanthropy.” YAC is designed to empower young people to become civic leaders and make a positive impact in their communities. YAC members engage in a variety of activities, such as volunteering, fundraising, grantmaking, and community service projects. Through this unique program, students from 12 local high schools have the opportunity to gain valuable leadership skills and make meaningful connections with other local students. Usually, when students from different high schools come together, it’s all about competition, whether that’s in sports, speech, debate, or scholar bowl, for example. Here the focus is coming together to build a better community. It’s a unique opportunity. Our commitment to the community is strong. By putting energy into our strategic initiatives with the support of our fundholders, THCF is truly making a difference in the lives of individuals and families in the community. Together, if we remain focused and stay the course, we can all work towards building stronger and more vibrant communities. I would be happy to sit down with anyone who would like to learn more about THCF’s community initiatives and ways you can get involved. Give the THCF office a call at 816-836-8189, and let’s schedule a time to meet. I look forward to hearing from you!  by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation Summer brings the woods and meadows alive with native wildflowers blooming and wildlife on the move. A variety of free programs to connect people with nature will be offered during June at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs. The classes are offered to a wide range of ages and abilities. Many require advance registration.
For more information about MDC’s Burr Oak Woods Nature Center, visit https://mdc.mo.gov/burroakwoods.  |
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