|
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. Missouri Supreme Court to decide whether school districts can jail parents for absent students5/25/2023
by Annelise Hanshaw, Missouri Independent
The Missouri Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday over whether two single mothers should have been sentenced to jail time because their children missed more days of school than the local district allowed. The case centers on Missouri’s compulsory school attendance law, which states that a parent must ensure their child attends “the academic program on a regular basis.” Assistant Attorney General Shaun Mackelprang, representing the state, argued that the definition of “a regular basis” means attending school every day on the district’s schedule. “Do I have to go to school everyday? The answer is yes,” he told six Supreme Court judges Wednesday morning. “You have to go to school every day that the school is in session.” Ellen Flottman, a public defender representing Caitlyn Williams and Tamarae LaRue, argued the law is unconstitutionally vague and inconsistently applied. “The state’s position is anti-parent. Most of the school districts are not prosecuting these parents,” Flottman said Wednesday. “Schools have to work with parents; they have to have policies because they want the kids to go to school.” “But this is a kindergartener and a first grader. Is missing one day in November and one day in December going to hurt this kindergartener’s education that much?” Case Background Williams and LaRue’s children attended school in the Lebanon R-III School District, about an hour outside of Springfield. The district has a 16.1% poverty rate, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, compared to Missouri’s 12.7% poverty rate. During the 2021-2022 school year, Williams’ six-year-old daughter missed 16 days of school before the district filed a probable cause statement. A Laclede County Circuit Court judge charged Williams with a misdemeanor and sentenced her to seven days in jail. Williams called her daughter out from school sick for six of the absences, but the school counts these as “verified” but not “excused” and tallies the hours and minutes of missed instructional time toward her percentage. The district’s handbook, which parents check a box that they have read when they register online, says parents must notify the school of absences but it does not clarify the difference between “verified” and “excused” absences, such as those with a doctor’s note. “My clients were not acting knowingly…. They’re being misled by the school handbook and the school administrators,” Flottman said Wednesday. The handbook also says: “The state mandates that students maintain 90% or higher attendance each year in school and that continued and valuable learning cannot take place without regular attendance.” State statute does not mandate a 90% attendance rate, though students who maintain this level of attendance contribute greater to school accreditation, Mackelprang said Wednesday. Mackelprang argued in a filing in the case that high attendance contributes toward a school’s funding. “Daily attendance, even down to the hour, has important consequences for schools and, by extension, all of the students at a given school,” Mackelprang wrote. LaRue’s six-year-old son was absent 13 days, according to Flottman, and LaRue called the school with explanation for six of those absences. The district says his attendance, based on the number of hours present, is just under 80%. Court documents say LaRue gave the following reasons for her son’s absence: Doctor appointment, fever, at dad’s in Iowa, another appointment, overslept and sick. Documents mention siblings and that the family contracted COVID-19 during the school year. LaRue was sentenced to 15 days in jail by a different Laclede County Circuit Court judge than Williams, but the sentence was changed to two years of probation. Arguments Flottman’s argument was three-pronged: The parents didn’t know that they were violating the rules because the handbook didn’t state that absences without doctor’s notes are unexcused; the circuit court failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the children’s absences were beyond regular attendance; and the state statute is “unconstitutionally vague” by failing to define what “regular” attendance means. She opened the arguments by saying she attends church “on a regular basis,” although she missed a service recently and has a vacation planned. “The state has argued that regular means every day,” she said as Judge W. Brent Powell interrupted her. Powell said he liked her church analogy but asked if the nonattendance rules were like the speed limit, where not everyone that gets caught breaking the law gets a ticket but officers have discretion on what is too far. Flottman responded by using an example introduced in Mackelprang’s brief, the Wisconsin compulsory school attendance law which says children should attend school “regularly.” The Wisconsin Court of Appeals defined “regularly” as “constantly and uniformly,” Mackelprang wrote. Flottman said the state’s argument also helped her clients, for Wisconsin’s law has a “specific schema,” she said Wednesday. “Missouri doesn’t give that kind of guidance to parents,” she said. Judge Mary R. Russell inquired Mackelprang about why Missouri lawmakers didn’t include more specificity in the attendance law. “Why would the legislature choose to write it this way instead of in a way that is more articulate?” she asked. “They just have to write it in a way that is adequate,” Mackelprang said. “So, is the legislature leaving it up to local school districts how to enforce this word?” Russell asked, inquiring about the definition of “regular attendance.” “How to interpret this word?” “There probably is some discretion of when they are going to go to the prosecutor with it,” Mackelprang said. Flottman said she was worried about this leniency allowing schools to apply different standards to students. “The students that take a day off to go deer hunting or their parents who take their children out of school for a week to go to Disney World are not being prosecuted for this. So there’s a difference between prosecutorial discretion and arbitrary enforcement,” she said. Judge Robin Ransom asked if she would make the same argument if it were not a criminal case. “I do think the criminalization of this certainly has to do with it. We’re talking about the liberty of people who are just trying to do the best they can,” Flottman said. She said she would argue that the state should get involved to provide services to get the children to school. Mackelprang said the statute is not “anti-parent.” He said parents are in control of young children and have options to homeschool or enroll them in private school. “Women make the decision to enroll them in a public school, like the parents did in this case,” he said. “They’re subject to the terms of this statute.” The judges can’t base their decision on violations of the school handbook, for the state’s case is that Williams and LaRue broke state law.
The following information is derived from Grain Valley Police Department daily calls service log for the week of May 17-21, 2023. May 17, 2023 PHQ Citizen contact EE Kirby/Railroad Area check 700 Blk Main St Area check 1600 Blk NW Crumley Fraud/stealing 600 Blk NW Jefferson Citizen contact 200 Blk NW Jefferson Disturbance 700 Blk SW Montana Ridge Dr Agency assist 1300 Blk NW Basswood Ct Parking complaint E Pink Hill Rd/Sdillinham Rd Motor vehicle accident PHQ Citizen contact PHQ Citizen contact May 18, 2023 500 Blk SW Brome Shots fired 200 Blk Cross Creek Shots fired 1200 Blk Scenic Animal control PHQ Citizen contact Woodbury/Valley Ridge Shots fired Sni-A Bar Blvd/Meadowood Dr Suspicious person PHQ Citizen contact 900 Blk Valley Wood Alarm 100 Blk Eagles Citizen contact 100 Blk Sunny Harassment May 19, 2023 800 Blk SW Country Hill Welfare check NE James Rollo Ct Agency assist Eagles /Kirby Motor vehicle accident SW Tisha Ln/SW August Ln Area check 800 Blk NE San Karr Dr Area check 800 Blk NE San Karr Dr Armed disturbance 200 Blk SW Cross Creek Area check Main St/Broadway Area check Broadway/Garden Motor vehicle accident 400 Blk NW Woodbury Suspicious person 1100 Blk NW Persimmon Runaway juvenile 1200 Blk NW Granite Alarm PHQ Citizen contact 800 Blk NE San Karr Dr Intoxicated person 600 Blk SW Nelson Dr Welfare check PHQ Citizen contact 1100 Blk S Buckner Tarsney Rd 911 hangup May 20, 2023 1700 Blk BB Area check 1300 Blk NW Sycamore Citizen contact 2200 Blk NW Hedgewood Dr Stealing 1200 Blk NW Phelps Ct Citizen contact PHQ Warrant arrest 1700 Blk S Buckner Tarsney Rd Agency assist 1100 Blk Blue Branch Citizen contact 1300 Blk Blue Branch Citizen contact 700 Blk RD Mize Rd Stealing SW Highland Dr/SW Nelson Dr Noise complaint 1200 Blk NW Long Dr Sounds of shots 800 Blk NE San Karr Dr Property damage 1000 Blk SW Christie Ln Stealing 800 Blk NW Cappelle St Physical disturbance 200 Blk NW Kimberly Ct Suspicious activity 200 Blk NE Hoot Owl Agency assist 800 Blk SW Hereford Agency assist 700 Blk Baytree Shots heard Ryan/Buckner Tarsney Rd Noise complaint 800 Blk SW Lee Ann Motor vehicle accident 800 Blk SW Meadowood Stolen auto May 21, 2023 EB 40 Hwy/City Limits Area check 600 Blk NW Capelle St Residence check Nelson/Buckner Tarsney Rd Area check Walnut/EE Kirby Area check 72nd/Paseo Agency assist Additional calls for service: Suicidal subject: 1 by Michael Smith Sometimes soccer can be a game of inches. That was definitely the case in Grain Valley’s Class 4 District 6 championship game against Blue Springs South at Columbia Hickman High School. After getting off to a hot start to start the game and taking a 1-0 lead into halftime, South rallied to take a 2-1 lead. Grain Valley had multiple chances to tie it up, but it's shot attempts were either slightly off or stopped by goalkeeper Siman Loethen. The Jaguars’ second-half outburst, which resulted in three goals, ended the Eagles season as they fell 3-1 Friday. “Tonight, we lacked getting shots on target,” Grain Valley head coach Brett Lewis said. “Emma hit the post twice. Soccer is just a cruel game sometimes. Things just didn’t bounce our way. I have been in so many games in which we were an inch off here and an inch off there.” After South went up 2-1 with 26 minutes, 42 seconds left in the contest, had a handful of opportunities to tie it. In the 64th minute, junior Emma Thiessen had a direct free kick from just outside the top right corner of the 18-yard box. She was able to fit her shot through a thicket of defenders but the shot hit off the right post and bounced away from the goal. Junior Kylee Bragaw had a shot from the same spot off a rebound with about 13 minutes left. She drilled a shot that appeared to be headed inside the left post, but Loethen made a diving stop. Thiessen had the last best chance when she rolled a shot from halfway inside the penalty box and with Loethen out of position, the ball looked like it would cross the goal line. However, Loethen recovered quickly and knocked the ball away just before the ball crossed to keep the lead. South freshman Haley Kramer put the game away with 19 seconds left when she bent a shot inside the left post from about 30 yards out. “South players stepped up and limited our offense,” Lewis said. “I thought we had more shots than they did and created more offense than they did. But credit to them. They were able to counter us a couple of times.” “We had a lot of opportunities in the box, we just couldn’t find that last pass and last shot.” Grain Valley (20-5) controlled possession throughout the first half and got its lone goal off a mistake by the Jaguars. With the Eagles putting pressure on the South defense, Jaguar senior Cora Watkins accidently kicked the ball backward toward her own goal. Thiessen capitalized by putting in a close-range shot in the 23rd minute for a 1-0 lead. “I will be honest, Grain Valley looked to be the better team for a big part of that game,” South veteran head coach Todd Findley said. That score held until halftime, but South benefitted from a pair of rebounds to take the lead. A shot from a Jaguar deflected off a Grain Valley defender and Kramer was right there to drill a shot into the left side of the net to tie the game at 1-all in the 50th minute. A little over three minutes later, Alyssa Guadagnano made the game-winner when a deflection came right to her inside Grain Valley’s 18-yard box and she punched one in on the left side of the net to put South up 2-1. From there, the Eagles were snakebitten as their stellar season came to an end. Grain Valley will return the majority of its team for the 2024 season as it loses just two seniors to graduation, including starting defender Lexi Nicholson. “We have a really strong group that’s going to be seniors and that’s going to be exciting,” Lewis said. “These girls know what it’s like to be in a district title game and they know the atmosphere and what it takes. They will be ready to hit the ground running next year.” Grain Valley junior Annabelle Totta pushes the ball up the field. Photo credit: Michael Smith Grain Valley senior Lexi Nicholson, left, and junior Meghan Knust share an emotional hug following a 3-1 loss to Blue Springs South in the Class 4 District 6 championship game Friday at Columbia Hickman High School. Photo credit: Michael Smith
by Cole Arndorfer On a beautiful, mid-May evening in Grain Valley, Missouri, Sni Valley Academy held its commencement ceremony at Grain Valley High School for its 50 graduates. For these 50 young adults, their path to a high school diploma may not have been the easiest route to take, but, through hard work and perseverance, they came out on the other side. In his opening speech, Grain Valley High School principal, Dr. Jeremy Plowman applauded the work that Sni Valley Academy directors, Ryan Adams and Jill Maxon, do for students. Plowman noted that across the country, less than half of kids that attend alternative school graduate with a high school diploma. Plowman said that in the Grain Valley School District, that number is over 90 percent thanks to Adams and Maxon. To recognize his commitment and service to the students of Sni Valley, Dr. Plowman was given an honorary diploma from Sni Valley Academy as a token of their appreciation. Mr. Adams thanked each of the student’s family and friends for attending as he said, “I know the road to this point wasn’t always smooth, but your support and encouragement helps these graduates cross the finish line.” Addressing the graduates, Adams said, “you’ve all worked extremely hard to get to this point and it’s very rewarding for us to watch you walk across this stage… you’ve already faced many challenges… overcoming these challenges is the first step in achieving your goals and getting your diploma. Whatever path you choose, be sure you put everything you have into doing it right.” Mrs. Maxon added on this by saying, “next time you’re going through something hard, remember this exact moment, this feeling, I want you to remember everything about it because things are going to get hard again, but if you believe in yourself and recall this amazing feeling, you will know that all of the hard is worth it.” Sni Valley graduate Bradley Gildehaus said that graduation was a special moment for him. It was a time of reflection on “all the hard work that went into it. This is an alternative school, so things didn’t go as planned but I made it and I’m happy to be here!” Gildehaus said. He then added that Sni Valley prepared him well for his future by allowing him to work while attending school. Looking toward the future, Gildehaus said that he may join his father in the construction business now that he has his diploma. Reflecting on the graduation, Adams says that this night “means a lot, these kids have worked so hard. Their backs were against the wall many times in their student career and for them to overcome that and get to this point, it’s a very cool moment for us to see them do that.” When asked what is most meaningful to him in his work at Sni Valley Academy, Adams responded, “You get to work with kids that really need your help. The kids that need support, and guidance, and structure. It’s an honor to be able to provide them that." In his final piece of advice to the graduates, Mr. Adams said, “You’re not alone as you begin your future…remember, success in life is hard to achieve on your own. Surround yourself with good people and good things will happen.” Sni Valley Academy students tossed their caps into the air at the conclusion of their graduation ceremony on Thursday evening at Grain Valley High School. Photo credit: Cole Arndorfer
by Cole Arndorfer On Thursday, May 18, the Grain Valley Board of Education met for their regularly scheduled meeting.
In the recognitions portion of the meeting, the board recognized five groups. The board first recognized GVHS freshman, and FBLA state qualifier, Blake Hurley. Hurley was the first freshman to ever hold executive office for FBLA in GVHS as well as the first student to place in Mobile App Development at state, placing eighth. Next, Ms. Julie Lever, GVHS Spanish teacher, presented Grain Valley’s first ever Seal of Biliteracy to Carson Hill. To achieve this, Hill scored well on an English exam and also took an outside exam to show his proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding Spanish. Next, Jeff Kramer presented representatives from the Early Childhood Center with an award recognizing 2023 Missouri School-Wide Positive Behavior Support Bronze Tier selection; while Nancy Rogers presented representatives from Matthews Elementary with an award to recognize their 2023 MO SW-PBS Gold Tier selection. Both Kramer and Rogers agreed that these two schools were extremely deserving of the recognition and said that they are used as examples of great schools. The next recognition was delivered by Assistant Superintendent Dr. Amanda Allen to the district’s Leadership Seminar graduates. Those graduates are: Melanie Brockhaus, Nancy Leaser, Kourtney Michael, Alyssa Thomas, and Teri Turner. In this program, these teachers met monthly for two hours each session for two years to learn about various aspects of leadership within the district. "It’s our intention then, from this group, to draw future summer school directors, and those seeking leadership positions within the district,” Allen explained. The last recognition was for the three Speech and Debate students who competed in the state Speech and Debate competition. Gabby Holman and Carmen Myers were recognized for their first-place finish at state in the Policy Debate competition. Myers also placed second in International Extemporaneous Speaking. Freshman Dylan Rucinski qualified for state in the Humorous Interpretation category. In the new business segment of the meeting, the board held action on the construction contracts for phase six at GVHS as well as the total project budget for phase six. The board approved the contracts for the Newkirk Novak construction partners with a guaranteed maximum price of $22,886,754. As for the reports segment, the board heard from district superintendent Dr. Brad Welle. Welle explained that the bond issue was passed for $32 million, with the hard costs for phase six approved at just over $22 million, the district has the ability to complete some other projects. Among the projects Welle named: district-wide HVAC improvements, baseball and softball complex improvements, IT network upgrades, operation department storage addition, gymnasium floor replacement at Sni-A-Bar and Prairie Branch Elementary, door and window replacements at various buildings, a band shed, and playground resurfacing at the Early Childhood Center. “We know that we have the funds to do those projects…” Welle said. Welle also mentioned that the district has the opportunity to switch all of the lights in the district over to LEDs, though it would come with an upfront cost that would be made back in energy savings later. The district also would like to do a full reroof at Matthews Elementary as well as purchase some extra, portable, bleachers to use at the high school athletic fields. Also discussed at length in this section was food services debt and possible solutions to get this money back. At this time, the district has $32,000 in debt from kids/families who have a negative balance in their school lunch money account and district provided lunches to substitute teachers. Assistant Superintendent of Support Services Dr. Nick Gooch said that the district recently received a $7,700 donation from the Grain Valley Assistance Council to cover debts from the highest need families. Gooch said that this is a problem that’s being seen across the area, not just in the Grain Valley School District, and he is welcome to discussing potential solutions to this problem in the future. Lastly, in the board policies section, the board heard final reading from three policy proposals and took action on each of them. The first was KC – Community Engagement policy. This policy calls for a community engagement plan which the board is in the process of drafting and will leave open to changes as needed through engaging the community. The second policy was BDDH-1 – Public Participation at Board Meetings. This policy allows the public to speak on whichever topic they choose at board meetings so long as it is within the law to do so. The last policy was JECA – Eligibility to Enroll. This policy follows new legislature regarding enrollment in schools and provides more flexibility to those wishing to enroll their students in Grain Valley Schools. All three policies were approved by the board.
One of the most discussed days on the calendar in Grain Valley arrives this Saturday as the City Wide Garage Sale is set for Saturday, May 20th. Traditionally held the 3rd Saturday of May, the event is not a city-sponsored event, but a spring cleaning tradition in the community.
Valley News has published a Garage Sale Directory (link below and on the 2023 Garage Sale Directory page). Shoppers may click on any of the pins on the map to see more detail about the hours and items at each location. For those with garage sale leftovers, Your Truman Thrift Store, a local, family-owned thrift store located in Historic Old Northeast Kansas City, is offering pick up service on Tuesday, May 23rd. Jill Althaus with Your Truman Thrift Store said the store supports the Jennifer Ireland Foundation, Inc, a non-profit organization based out of Blue Springs which provides financial assistance to people fighting cancer in the metropolitan area by giving grants to help with their expenses. Items must be bagged or boxed so drivers can load and go. A tax receipt will be provided at pick up. The store will accept clothing, household items, gently used furniture in good condition, (no stains, tears, and cannot be broken), and many other miscellaneous items. To schedule a pickup, call their donation line at 816-554-0870 or visit their website www.yourtrumanthriftstore.com. They can also be contacted via Facebook at Your Truman Thrift Store. All items must be bagged/boxed so our drivers can just load and go. We will leave your tax receipt once picked up. Grain Valley High School hosted its local scholarship awards ceremony on May 10th, presenting more than $146,900 in scholarships earned by graduating seniors. The scholarships presented and each honoree is listed below. Grain Valley Education Foundation Top 15% scholarship: Yumiko Chen Cameryn Bown Evan Reich Gabrielle Holman Owen Herbert Carmen Myers Grace Slaughter Jade Stone Lillian Cassidy Allison Shafer Macey Gower Peyton Bell Olivia Chatburn Carter Bohanon Kylie Barnett Maddux Hughes Lynnette Jones Caitlin Tan Ava Lin Allison Shields Ethan Simpson Emmalee Lockwood Holly Malicoat Ella Clyman Josie Adams Chloe Carrillo Finley Waldren Mattie Allen Marissa Johnson Caton Day Kiera Miller Payden Stone Trent Hailey Hailey Hemme Jaydn Jarman Kayley Coney Madison Rogers Austin Schmitt Avery Garmon Kaleena Menzsa Brock Baker Mason Morris Kennedy Bohanon John Cianciolo Athlete of Character Memorial Scholarship: Austin Schmitt Avery Garmon Owen Herbert Cameryn Bown Lillian Cassidy Evan Reich David & Patty Hackett Scholarship: Jade Stone Focus for Grain Valley Scholarship: Lillian Cassidy Owen Herbert Hanneman & Ward DDS Scholarship: Olivia Chatburn Grain Valley Family Dental Scholarship: Adelyn Bybee Rachel M. House Hudson Memorial Scholarship: Olivia Chatburn Ella Clyman Lillian Cassidy Makayla Dyer Payden Stone Peyton Bell Leroy Grubb Memorial Scholarship: Kellen Stephens Iron Kettle Foundation Scholarship: Carmen Myers Kendrah Brooks Barbara & Moody Murry Music Scholarship: Maddux Hughes Mary & Lonnie Harper Speech and Debate Scholarship: Carmen Myers Kissick Construction Scholarship: Carter Bohanon Macey Gower Ava Lin Grain Valley Partnership Kissick Construction Scholarship: Brock Baker Pam Perry "Always an Eagle" Scholarship: Owen Herbert BR Carpet Marching Eagles Band Scholarship: Kayley Coney Grain Valley Eagle Booster Club Scholarship: Peyton Bell Ava Lin Carmen Myers Owen Herbert Cameryn Bown Lillian Cassidy Keagan Hart Spencer Chase Dean Sibert Memorial Scholarship: Cameryn Bown Jared & Keri English Family Scholarship: Peyton Bell Carmen Myers Papa Murphy's of Grain Valley Scholarship: Madison Rogers Student Government Scholarship: Jackson Stewart Jade Stone Dr. Roy Moss Education Scholarship: Lillian Cassidy Lynette Jones Athletic Letter-of-Intent Scholarship: Peyton Bell Keagan Hart Belcher Scholarship: Gabrielle Holman Grain Valley R-5 Board of Education Scholarship: Lillian Cassidy Evan Reich Carmen Myers Peyton Bell Olivia Chatburn Ava Lin Allison Shafer Hailey Hemme Cameryn Bown Trae Selemaea Owen Herbert Keagan Hart Josie Adams Jade Stone Emma Carey Marty Napier Community Service Award Scholarship: Lillian Cassidy Olivia Chatburn Maddux Hughes Carmen Myers Avari Schwenk Allison Shafer Jerry Mueller Memorial Scholarship: Mattie Allen Ray Wilson Memorial Scholarship: Austin Schmitt Jessica Gardner Memorial Scholarship: Mattie Allen Napier Award Football Scholarship: Jake Allen Erma & Robert Doty Memorial Scholarship: Maddux Hughes Grain Valley Historical Society Scholarship: Ty Sanders Bank of Grain Valley: Evan Reich Ed McRell Memorial Scholarship: Makenzie Keller Stayton and Patricia (Davis) Parr Scholarship: Yumiko Chen Foundation Seed Money Scholarship: Owen Herbert Megan Mazzarella Ty Sanders Shirley Condra Memorial Scholarship: Gabrielle Holman OOIDA Scholarship: Jade Stone Releve Performing Arts Scholarship: Gabrielle Holman MSHSAA Sportsmanship Award Scholarship: Owen Herbert Keagan Hart Ella Clyman Keili Stevens US Marine Corps: Scholastic Excellence Award: Yumiko Chen US Marine Corps: The Distinguished Athlete Award: Jake Allen US Marine Corps: Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence: Lori Bickham Grain Valley Sports League Athletic Scholarship: Jackson Stewart Josie Adams Grain Valley Alumni Association Scholarship: Mackenzie Keller Kayley Coney Makayla Dyer Liquid Soap Products LTD GVHS Scholarship 4 Year College: Cameryn Bown H. Gene and Michael Gene Butler Memorial Scholarship: Mattie Allen KC Scholars-Grain Valley Education Foundation Scholarship: Yumiko Chen KC Scholars Traditional Awards: Lynette Jones Shelter Insurance Foundation Agents Scholarship: Rhea'leigh Stanley Adrienne Barber GVHS Scholarship: Ava Lin Emmalee Lockwood Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship: Lillian Cassidy Phil Roberts Scholarship: Yumiko Chen Owen Herbert Ava Lin Jade Stone The Ellis Foundation Scholarship: Gabrielle Holman Madison Rogers Kayla Rolley Masonic Lodge Merit Undergraduate Scholarship: Lillian Cassidy Nicholas V. Mortallaro, State Farm Agent-Francis Anzalone Memorial Scholarship: Carter Bohanon Alayna Patel Rhea'leigh Stanley Kaitlynn Goosey Truman Heartland Community Foundation Blue Springs Rotary Scholarship: Jade Stone Carmen Myers Mary J. Szczepanski "Never Give Up" MS Scholarship Foundation: Adelyn Bybee The P.E.O. International Star Scholarship: Lillian Cassidy Doctors of St. Mary’s Scholarship: Gabrielle Holman GVHS seniors were presented with $146,900 in scholarships during the May 10th local scholarship awards ceremony on May 10th at Grain Valley High School. Photo credit: Grain Valley Schools
|
Categories
All
Archives
March 2024
|
Grain Valley NewsGrain Valley News is a free community news source published weekly online. |
Contact Us |