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by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society I’m not sure Grain Valley could be called the cultural mecca of the Midwest, however there seems to have always be an audience for live entertainment. Over the next few weeks I will share some old photographs of the talented citizens of Grain Valley.
Since the turn of the last century, citizens have been entertained. First, they came to the Royal Playhouse, built by Jasper “Newt” Sanders around 1910. From silent movies to plays, often directed by his daughter Ruth Sanders Belford, this old playhouse was a popular place on most Saturday evenings. All-school plays, performed on stage in the school gymnasium, were popular all through the 1930s. I remember my parents being in a few shows put on by the alumni to raise funds to support the alumni banquet. That was popular around 1949 and 1950. Of course, there were the junior and senior class plays performed to raise funds for prom and class trips. By the late 1960s they became all-school productions to allow all would-be stars, freshmen through seniors, to land a role. From 50 years ago, this week’s photos feature some of the stars of “Grain Valley Hee Haw” presented December 4, 1970. Skits, song and dance routines, and one-liners were combined in a fast moving country show, no doubt based on the popular TV variety show at that time. “You never know what’s coming out of the cornfield!” agreed Mrs. Mary Harper and Mrs. Barbara Murry, co-directors. Visit www.grainvalleyhistory.com for more information on the Grain Valley Historical Society. Technology has been used in a variety of ways to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, Google and Apple joined forces to implement a new feature in your smartphones and tablets that will allow your devices to keep track of who has been infected and following up with people who have come in contact with those who have the virus.
On paper, this sounds great but I'm sure the biggest questions you're asking are 'Is this feature safe to use on my smart devices?' and 'How it will affect my privacy?'. With all of the data breaches that have occurred in recent years, these are legitimate questions. Let me put your mind at ease by explaining more about this technology. What is Exposure Tracking? Exposure tracing (or contract tracing) has been around for a while and it is the process of trying to keep track of people who have a transmittable disease and attempting to follow up with the people they came in contact with. By staying in contact with people, health professionals hope they can prevent further spread of the diseases. If you were to do this process manually, it would take a lot of time to reach out to people, plus you would have to hope that people would remember all of the places they've been and people they had contact with. How Does Mobile Exposure Tracking Work? Exposure tracking on Apple and Android devices works the same way as the manual process, except your smartphone or tablet is doing the reporting. It uses a technology called Bluetooth LE (Low Energy). This uses less of your battery's power and has a shorter range of about 30 feet. Once this technology is implemented on your device, it will send out a signal to other phones while keeping your information secure. This allows you to anonymously self-report if you test positive for COVID-19 from your device while alerting you if you have come in contact with another phone where the users have reported that they tested positive. If someone you come in contact with reports an infection, you get a notification of what step you need to take to keep safe such as self-isolating or visiting a medical professional. The latest updates for Apple and Android devices include the technology for exposure tracking, but by default, it's turned off. You have to opt-in in order to use this on your device, and you have to install a compatible contact tracing app. Because this feature is so new, there aren't many tracking apps available. Later in 2020, Apple & Google plan to make exposure tracking work as a standalone technology, eliminating the need for an app. If you decide to embrace this technology, it's important to note Apple and Google aren't able to scan for information on your devices, nor can they track your phone's location with this system. They also aren't able to see if you are infected with COVID-19. To keep your information safe, exposure tracking uses an ID system to keep track of the people who have been infected. Only official public health officials and apps can use this technology. How to Enable Exposure Tracking on Your Phone or Tablet. Android: Google has included this feature to devices running Android 6 Marshmallow and above from an update to Google Play Services. If you want to turn it on, go to Settings > Google; select COVID-19 exposure notifications, and turn it on. Remember, at this time you have to download an exposure tracking app also to make this work. Apple: Exposure notifications were integrated with iOS 13.5. If you're on an older version of iOS, you need to update your device. After that, go to Settings > Privacy and select Health. From here, tap COVID-19 Exposure Logging and you can enable the feature. As with Android, you'll need to have a compatible public health app installed to use it. Watch out for scams. Cybercriminals always take advantage of crises, and the coronavirus pandemic is no exception. Keep on the lookout for any COIVD-19 phishing attempts that attempt to mimic contact tracing. If you haven't signed up for contract tracing, you won't get any alerts on your devices. That said, if you receive a text message or an email claiming that you've been in contact with an infected individual, ignore it. It's fake. Alerts will only come from within the approved app you've installed on your device. Also, keep in mind that most places in the US aren't conducting manual contact tracing to comply with social distancing. Criminals might disguise themselves as contact tracers in order to get your personal sensitive information. If you get a call saying that you may have been near an infected person, make sure you get as much information as you can about the person or business that's calling before you give out personal information. Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@callintegralnow.com. If you prefer to connect with me on social media, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter and watch great tech tip videos on my YouTube channel. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I want to make technology fun and exciting for you. 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 at Integral. My team of friendly tech experts are always standing by to answer your questions and help make your technology useful and fun. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829. With concerns about COVID-19 continuing, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces it has extended its cancellation of programs and events at nature centers and other Department locations through June 30th.
To help continue to connect people with nature, MDC will be offering more of its nature-focused programs through online formats. According to MDC, the online offerings will make it more convenient and comfortable for people to attend the programs virtually from wherever they are in the state -- and beyond. MDC typically provides hundreds of public programs each year at its various nature centers and other locations around the state. Due to the threats of COVID-19, MDC cancelled its public programs and events in March and has extended the cancellations through June. Find MDC offerings of online programs at mdc.mo.gov/events-s3. Programs will be added as they become available. Participants in MDC online programs will be required to register online and will be emailed a program survey and other information after the event. Programs will typically be 30 minutes or less and participants will be able to ask questions online. by Cathy Bylinowski, M.S., Horticulture Instructor, University of Missouri Extension Becoming an Extension Master Gardener is an exciting process. The training consists of fourteen classes that will cover the basics of everything you need to know to be a successful gardener. We will cover introductions to soil science and plant biology and then dive into the vegetable gardening, ornamental gardening and landscaping, plant diseases, garden insects, and more.
There are also several orientations to help you learn more about the Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City chapter. This year, due to COVID-19 precautions, we are offering the training via Zoom, the online platform that creates our “classroom’ for learning and communicating with one another. The training will last from August 12 to graduation on November 18. If you are able to volunteer, the cost is $200 which covers the cost of a Master Gardener Core manual, a name badge, and other class mailings and supplies. Most people who go through the training, volunteer during the following year, and become certified Extension Master Gardener Volunteers after participating in a wide range of volunteer opportunities in our region. Extension Master Gardeners help University of Missouri Extension Horticulture Field Specialists share reliable horticulture information with the public through a Gardeners Hotline, Speakers Bureau, the Children’s Program Committee, Demonstration Gardens, and more. If you are unable to volunteer, you may also take the training for personal enrichment at a cost of $400 for the complete training course. Please see the flyer for application and registration information or contact Cathy Bylinowski, Horticulture Instructor, bylinowskic@missouri.edu, University of Missouri Extension, 816-482-5850, for more details. Join us and help others learn to grow! The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of May 27-June 2, 2020.
The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of May 20-26, 2020.
With summer fast approaching, Westlake Ace Hardware stores throughout the Kansas City area are gearing up to host their annual fan drive benefitting The Salvation Army. The fan drive will be held June 4-21. During the fan drive, Westlake customers are asked to donate by rounding-up their purchase at the register. All donations go toward buying new box fans for the Kansas City Salvation Army. Westlake will kick off the fan drive with a donation of 100 fans. This is the 14th year Westlake has raised money for fans. Last year, customers in the Kansas City area donated more than $20,000, equating to 1,434 fans given to the local Salvation Army for distribution to fellow citizens. “The Salvation Army Fan Drive gives our friends and neighbors a way to keep cool and comfortable this summer. Especially now, with so many people in need, it’s an honor to sponsor this program and positively impact lives. I encourage everyone, if they are able, to donate,” Joe Jeffries, president and CEO of Westlake Ace Hardware said. “With so many Americans facing unexpected hardship this year, we must work together more than ever before to face challenges like summer heat,” Dale Bannon, The Salvation Army Secretary for National Community Relations and Development said. “We cannot thank Westlake Hardware enough for coming alongside us on this incredible partnership fan drive.” Donations to the fan drive can be made at any Westlake Ace, or if customers prefer to donate online, they may do so at westlakehardware.com/fandrive. All donations, both in-store and online, stay in the local community. Westlake Ace Hardware has been part of the Ace Hardware Cooperative since 1959, and a wholly-owned Ace subsidiary since 2012. Westlake currently owns and operates 139 stores in California, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Washington. With just 23% of City of Grain Valley voters showing up at the polls, Chuck Johnston was elected Mayor, beating incumbent Michael Todd 48% to 39%. A third candidate, Jeff Craney, received 12% of the vote.
Reached for comment following his win, Johnston struck a more conciliatory tone than communications made via social media throughout the campaign. “I would like to thank everyone that put their faith in me to serve as your Mayor. I will do my best to live up to your expectations,” Johnston said. “I don't take this job lightly. I know I have to develop a working relationship with the Board of Aldermen and City staff to achieve the goals I have set. I would also like to congratulate all the others that won their campaign. I look forward to working with all of you. I want to thank those that ran and didn't win for offering their services to the City by running for office. We need those that are willing to work for the betterment of the City, if this City is going to grow and prosper.” Voters soundly defeated Questions 1 and 2, which requested more than $38 million in bonds to develop a community campus on the former Sni-A-Bar Farms site. In Ward 1, incumbent Alderman Jayci Stratton ran unopposed and received 97.39% of the vote; Bob Headley also ran unopposed in Ward 3, winning 97.78% of the vote. Rick Knox was elected as Alderman in Ward 2, receiving 69.81% of the vote. Grain Valley Schools received strong support for its bond issue to add additional fine arts space at the high school. The question passed with 66.71% of the vote. In a statement, Dr. Marc Snow, Superintendent of Grain Valley Schools, thanked voters for their support and outlined construction projects to begin immediately. “Construction at the high school will begin within the next two weeks. There will be interruptions to the drive off Eagles Parkway this summer as crews relocate the main north/south drive towards the back of the school to make room for the addition. Also this summer, new parking will be added to the east side of the school to replace a staff parking area where the addition will be. Walls for the new instructional spaces should start to go in by September. Students will be walking the hallways of phase 5 in August 2021,” Snow said. Three incumbent school board members retained their seats. Jeff Coleman, Tisha Homfeld, and Jan Reding were each reelected, with first time candidate Jeff Wolff as a close contender. Voters next head to the polls on August 4th for a primary election. The deadline to register for the August election is July 8th. Since the May 25th killing in Minneapolis of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, protests have erupted in cities across the country. Mainly peaceful protests have been held in Kansas City over the past several days, but violence and property damage has erupted at times, forcing the Kansas City Police Department to declare the gatherings unlawful and institute curfews.
Jackson County Executive Frank White urged protestors to work for change through peaceful means. “As members of our community come together to protest the tragic death of George Floyd and the undeniable injustices that men, women, and children of color still face in our country, I encourage them to do so loudly, passionately, and peacefully. We cannot allow the desires of a few, who are more interested in causing damage, to overshadow the vast majority who are demanding their voices be heard about legitimate and long-overdue reforms that are needed in our social and criminal justice systems. If allowed, their message will be lost and our community will suffer,” White said. “While it may be hard at times like this, we must all also remember our police officers put their lives on the line for us every single day. They have a tough job to do to maintain public safety and hold accountable those who break the law, including their own. As we move forward, law enforcement must work with the community, not against the community. It is the only way our community, our county, and our nation can truly begin to heal from a history of inequality.” Grain Valley Police Chief James Beale states he understands the hurt the protestors feel. “I would first like to extend my condolences to the Floyd family and everyone who has been affected by this tragic event. This incident is devastating and heartfelt around the world. This officer’s actions were wrong and he should be held accountable, along with any other officer on that scene with him that failed to protect Mr. Floyd. They are complicit in this incident. The aftermath of this crime is affecting many peoples lives. I understand peaceful protest, which I support one-hundred percent, but the looting, rioting, and egregious destruction of property are the action of opportunists who only have creating mayhem as their only agenda. Our country is hurting, and we want positive change desperately to remove inequality of our legal justice system and socioeconomic system. We need to hold our police chiefs accountable when they consistently allow officers with a history of Excessive Use of Force Complaints to continue being employed, and we need to assure that the right people are in office who are willing to make laws against inequality. I will use this phrase, ‘Hurt People, Hurt People’. When people hurt, they want others to feel their pain,” Beale said. Local students Dave Griffith, Shaley Harper, Emma Howell, and Sam Westlake felt compelled to attend the protest on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City on Saturday, May 30th. “I care about this protest because all lives can’t matter until black lives matter. This issue is very important to me because there are issues within our justice system that must be corrected,” Harper said. “I have been politically active for a few years now. However, this is about far more than just politics. This is a human rights issue. As a white American, I feel I hold a certain responsibility to stand in solidarity with the black community,” Howell said. |
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