The Grain Valley Historical Society is hosting its annual Ice Cream Social in the courtyard of Iron Kettle Brewing next to the Historical Society building at 506 S Main on Thursday, July 25th from 5:00pm - 8:00pm.
Tickets are $6/adults and $4/kids and can be purchased at the event. A variety of homemade ice creams and desserts will be featured and proceeds benefit the Historical Society. by Cole Arndorfer
The Grain Valley Schools Board of Education met on Thursday, July 18th for their monthly business meeting. The board kicked off the meeting by recognizing the Special Olympics smedalists from this year. Superintendent Dr. Brad Welle began his monthly report by talking about the new Parent Square communication tool the district is implementing. Welle then discussed some contingency provisions as phase six of construction on the high school is nearing completion. Some projects with options to be completed include improving lighting at the playground at Sni-A-Bar Elementary, window film updates, new classroom communication options, and security upgrades. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Amanda Allen then gave a report over summer school this year. Allen said that summer school enrollment had increased to an all-time high, as did the amount of positive feedback that was received in various areas such as experience and pick up and drop off. Moving forward, Welle went over the exit interview summary for faculty and staff not returning to the district for the upcoming school year. The district had 24 teacher resignations, which is down from 32 last year. Of those 24 resignations, the district received 19 responses on exit survey forms. Welle said feedback on these forms is very important for future recruiting and retention purposes as they show what needs improvement and what is going well. Allen then spoke on the district’s updated communications plan. One big goal of that plan is an updated “work for us” page online. Another important update is new crisis scripts. These are templates the district can use to make statements on certain situations very quickly. The board moved onto unfinished business with an action item over the school board meeting calendar for the upcoming school year. The board approved the calendar that was set forth in front of them. This brought the board to new business. The first item was approved to add two new paraprofessionals for the upcoming school year. The board then approved adding a 0.2 occupational therapist position for the upcoming school year. Welle said that this brings one of the district’s current occupational therapists from a 0.8 to a 1.0. Under board policies, the board looked at a multitude of policies for review and to be brought back at the next meeting. The next Board of Education meeting will take place on August 15th at 6:00pm at the district’s Leadership Center. As schools prepare to head back into session, metro health departments emphasize the importance of vaccinations to protect children in Kansas and Missouri classrooms this year. Free or low-cost vaccines are now available, and parents are encouraged to make appointments or visit a walk-in clinic now to avoid the long wait times that typically occur every August.
“Vaccines are one of the most effective tools for preventing the spread of infectious diseases and keeping metro kids safe because we have decades of scientific evidence to prove it,” said Bridgette Shaffer, director of Jackson County Public Health. Measles, once nearly eradicated in the United States, has reemerged in recent years, with more cases so far in 2024 than all of last year. Decreased vaccination rates contribute to the increase in measles cases. Healthy People 2030 set a goal of 95% measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine coverage for kindergarteners, but the U.S. falls short of this at 93%, and both Kansas and Missouri are at less than 92%. Public health experts warn that this trend increases the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases. “These diseases are not gone. They are still here, and vaccines remain our most effective protection at preventing disease outbreaks,” Shaffer said. Both Kansas and Missouri require several vaccines for children in school or child care, including but not limited to measles, mumps, rubella, whooping cough, polio and varicella (chickenpox). There are additional vaccines that are not required for school in every state, but that public health experts strongly recommend to prevent illness, including COVID-19, hepatitis A (required in Kansas), HPV and flu vaccinations. Many local health departments offer walk-in or extended hours for immunizations, so parents and caregivers can bring in their children when it’s convenient for them. Some health departments are on or near RideKC bus routes. Jackson County Public Health offers free rideshare passes and Wyandotte County Public Health offers free transportation to and from appointments. If a parent does not have health insurance or if their insurance does not cover vaccines, the Vaccines for Children program offers vaccines at no cost to eligible children through health care providers enrolled in the program. Parents can find out more about the recommended immunization schedule by contacting their health care provider or local health department. Below is a list of back-to-school vaccination clinics in the region. Jackson County, Missouri Jackson County Public Health 3651 NE Ralph Powell Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 Appointments only: Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parents can make an appointment online or by calling 816-404-6416. Jackson County Public Health also offers free Lyft passes to allow clients a complimentary round-trip ride to and from their appointments. An adult must accompany anyone under 17. Kansas City, Missouri City of Kansas City, Missouri, Health Department 2400 Troost Ave., Suite 1400, Kansas City, MO 64108 Currently filling appointments Monday through Friday with extended hours on Wednesdays to accommodate busy schedules: Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. (check-in by 5:30 p.m.). Wednesdays (July 10 through Aug. 28): 7:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. (check-in by 7:30 p.m.). Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Please call 816-513-6108 to schedule an appointment. To meet the community’s needs, the Kansas City Health Department is also hosting several Saturday vaccination clinics throughout July and August. These clinics are open to all parents, guardians and children needing vaccinations for school, with no appointments necessary: Saturday, July 27 KCPS Central High School, 3221 Indiana Ave., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 KCPS Fest at East High School, 1924 Van Brunt Boulevard, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Saturday before school starts: Aug. 17 2400 Troost Ave. from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointments are necessary due to high demand. by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society 506 Main Street
Frequent readers of “Looking Back” will recognize this photograph that appeared on the July 2024 calendar page. I only wish I knew more about the Worthmore Shoe Store. As previously stated, my research indicates it was taken between 1912 and 1915. The Williams Building, on the left, was built in 1910. Because the Worthmore Shoe sign in only a banner and not permanently attached to the building, it is impossible to determine who might have owned the building or ran the store. According to a 1904 Grain Valley City Directory, George Kreigel owned a shoe repair shop, but again, there is no documentation, yet, to connect Mr. Kreigel to this location. I can tell you that at some point the wooden structure was replaced by the brick building that occupies 506 Main Street today. This is the current location of the Grain Valley Historical Society. I hope to make a trip to the Jackson County Recorder of Deeds office in the near future to determine the lot 9 owner when the current brick structure was built. I hope to have an answer for you soon! If you are reading this on July 25, I hope to see you TONIGHT. The Grain Valley Historical Society is hosting our annual Ice Cream Social, 506 Main Street 5:00pm - 8:00pm. All you can eat, $6 for adults and $5 for children 6 to 12! Come enjoy a good old fashion evening! by Michael Smith Grain Valley graduate Nick Hooper doesn’t tend to show much emotion when he’s on the baseball diamond. He doesn’t seem to get angry, sad or overly emotional as he has a calm, and mild-mannered demeanor whether he’s at the plate hitting, at first base in the field or occasionally on the mound as a pitcher. “His approach is really calm,” said Milgram Mustangs manager Jackson Williams. “He’s kind of hard to read in the box. He’s perfectly calm. He’s in attack mode. As a coach, I value that.” Hooper played baseball at Grain Valley High school and has moved on to play for East Central College in Union, Mo. and for the Milgram Mustangs of the Ban Johnson collegiate summer baseball league. His mild mannered and calm demeanor has helped him find success both on his college and summer league teams as he’s excelled as both a hitter and a first baseman. He earned second-team, All-16 Region honors and earned a spot on the region’s all-defensive team at East Central College. Last spring, he hit .319 with a .897 on-base-plus slugging percentage. Hooper added one home run, 22 runs-batted in and scored 33 runs as his team went on to win the Region 16 Tournament. For the Mustangs .273 and had a .859 OPS with two home runs, 16 RBIs and 12 runs scored in just 55 at bats. He helped his summer league team reach the semifinals in the Ban Johnson postseason tournament. For Hooper, it was all about having the right mindset, which has led to his success at the collegiate level. “I am just trying to make sure I stay consistent and not fall into a slump,” Hooper said. “A lot of kids have jobs and it gets tiring to do that and come out here and play. You just have to stay consistent and stick with your approach and get lackadaisical. You just have to stay focused and locked in.” Added Williams: “He’s super chill. We got two like him on this team. He’s a contact hitter. His approach is what helps his mechanics out. But I think his bat path with his pitch recognition is on point.” At the next level, Hooper said the biggest adjustment has been anticipating off speed pitches no matter what the ball and strikes count is. At the high school level, when he had a favorable account at the dish, he could often sit on a fastball. In college, that’s not the case. “Just because you are in a 2-0 count, doesn’t mean you are guaranteed to get a fastball,” Hooper said. “You have to learn to deal with that. That’s the biggest thing for me is getting those off speeds in plus counts like that. I have gotten better at doing that since high school.” Hooper transferred from Iowa Western Community College to East Central College as a freshman and ended up converting from a third baseman to playing first for the Falcons. It’s been a welcome change for Hooper, who earned all-defensive honors at the position. “I have had to put on some size and muscle to play first base and had to get a first baseman’s glove,” Hooper said. “I like playing first a lot better because it’s less stressful. Now I just have to catch rockets every once in a while instead of all the time.” Even though he’s earned some awards and honors with the Falcons, it’s not something he aims for. He likes to focus on maintaining his calm and steady demeanor on the field and staying consistent. That is one of the reasons he was recruited to play for the Missouri S&T team by coach Todd DeGraffenried. Once he received the offer to play for the Miners, Hooper jumped on it. “S&T is a really good school and fits with my degree,” Hooper said. “It’s relatively close to home, so I figured I would take it while it was there. I am going to try my hardest to be an every day player.” Playing for the Miners may also give him the opportunity to play against former Grain Valley teammate Avery Garmon, who plays for Rockhurst University. Since both of their college teams are in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, they will have a chance to face off against each other in the spring of 2025. “He’s been giving me a lot of crap about that,” Hooper said of Garmon. “We might send some texts and talk some crap before the games. I am sure he will be blowing up my phone about some stuff and I will be brushing it off.” Grain Valley graduate Nick Hooper excelled for the East Central College baseball team in Union, Mo. He earned All-Region 16, second-team honors and was named to the all-defensive team for his freshman season in the spring of 2024. Photo credit: Michael Smith
by Cole Arndorfer
The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met on Monday, July 22nd for their second monthly meeting of the month. Two citizens spoke during the public comment section of the meeting. The first, resident Mike Walker, shared his complaints and concerns regarding All Pro Asphalt for curb and asphalt overlay work. Walker additionally noted a concern regarding a storm drain repair. The second was Andrea Elliott who owns Elliott Glass with her husband, a business along Jefferson, who spoke seeking the support of the board to lobby MoDOT for safety improvements on the road to prevent future tragedies. The family of Christian Lanear, a Grain Valley resident who died recently as a result of an accident on Jefferson ST, also expressed their desire for the city to support efforts to lobby MODOT to address safety concerns on the road. Next, the board discussed a liquor license for the new Dollar General store in the city. The store owners are the same as the existing store in Grain Valley and they are seeking the same license for their new location. This will be brought back as an action item at the next meeting. The next item discussed by the board under new business was a downtown beautification project in the form of a façade grant program. The city would take applications from businesses on how they would make improvements to their appearance along the road and how much they would spend. After receiving the application, the city would review them and use grant dollars to match the amount spent by the business, up to $5,000. Funding comes from ARPA funding received by the city. With no resolutions or ordinances, the board moved onto city staff reports, in which the board was reminded about the next workshop, which is to be held on Monday, July 29, at 6:00pm inside City Hall. Mayor Mike Todd gave his report by noting the annual State of the City address will be on August 6th at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon. The board then adjourned into executive session. The next regularly scheduled meeting will take place on August 12 at 6:30pm at City Hall. by Michael Smith The Grain Valley football team will be making a big transition going into the 2024 season, especially on offense. Not only will the Eagles have a quarterback starting their first season at the varsity level, they will have a new look at running back, too. Last season, they featured arguably the best running back to ever come through the program, Ty Williams. He was a Simone Award finalist (an honor given to the best large class football player in the Kansas City metro area), who broke the school record for yards in a season with 2,485 yards rushing and 33 touchdowns. He was also a threat in the passing game as he caught 12 passes for 385 yards and five more scores. This season, Grain Valley doesn’t have big shoes to fill, they are gigantic following a rare standout season Williams had. However, head coach David Allie has a talented group of running backs ready to step up this season as the Eagles look to turn to a running-back-by-committee approach rather than having a bell cow like Williams. That group will be led by senior DJ Harris who was a varsity running back his freshman and sophomore seasons before playing as a full-time outside linebacker as a junior to fill a need on defense and make room for Williams to be the primary running back. As a sophomore, Harris was the No. 2 behind Jaxon Wyatt as he ran the ball 69 times for 344 yards and seven TDs. As a sophomore, he was a part of a three-player running back committee with Williams and Christian Lanear. That season, he ran the ball 69 times for 459 yards and seven scores. So he has similar production in both seasons. He will bring a steady presence to the Eagles and will serve as a vocal leader for some of the younger running backs playing varsity full time for the first time. “His physicality is out of the roof and he brings everyone up with his energy,” sophomore Zach said. “He’s been a mentor for us. He taught us the importance of ball security and when to make our cuts.” Harris is eager to return to his natural position of running back after totaling 20 tackles and .5 sacks as a linebacker in 2023. He noted he doesn’t think it will be an issue to transition back to being a full-time running back. His goal is to reach 1,000 yards rushing for the season. “I think I will pick it right back up,” Harris said. “During (organized team activities) and the Pittsburg State (camp), I felt like a freshman and sophomore DJ again. It feels so good to go back to what I love again.” Allie described Harris as a thicker running back which makes him a good candidate to be a physical presence during runs between the tackles. He is also good at catching the ball out of the backfield and has enough speed to get the edge on outside running plays when needed. Those are similar traits to senior Robert Palmer, a transfer from North Scott High School in Iowa. Last season, he averaged 9.4 yards per carry for the Lancers, carrying the ball 33 times for 309 touchdowns and four scores. He also caught three passes for 23 yards and a TD through the air. Allie expects Palmer to be in the mix for some carries as he comes in with varsity football experience with Class 4 North Scott. “He’s like DJ and Ty, he’s a big powerful kid and he can run around people, too,” Allie said. “He’s done a great job of taking advantage of reps he’s had over the summer.” The Eagles also bring in a trio of backs who could receive consistent varsity carries for the first time in their careers. Sophomores Alby Negrete, Zach Dowhower and Sjoeren Aumua all could be in the mix to be a part of the Eagles’ committee, and each had a few varsity carries last season in games in which the Eagles held a large lead late in games. Dowhower is a running back who has some good size for the position and has the ability to run for both speed and power. He’s some Allie said doesn’t go down easily when opponents try to tackle him. We call Dowhower ‘Crazy Legs’ because he’s got those big ol’ long, powerful legs,” Allie said. “Once he gets going, he can churn down that field. He got a little bit of speed and has some power behind it. He makes up some yards by running through tacklers.” Dowhower had a similar assessment of his abilities as he said he hopes to earn playing time in 2024. “Even if there are two defenders there, I can make something happen,” Dowhower said. “And even if there is no space to run, I can make space.” Aumua is a smaller running back at around 144 pounds. He’s not someone who will break a lot of tackles or try to run through people. He likes to use his speed to get behind the defense in the open field and use his agility to evade tacklers. “I am not as big and heavy as these other running backs,” Aumua said. “I am going to try and work on that.” Added Allie on Aumua: “He has great quickness and vision. He is able to get through those holes inside that may not be as big as you would like. Once he gets to that second level, he has another gear and he can turn it on.” Negrete is a physical running back who Allie said he can use in two-back formations and use him as a blocker from the full back position. “For me, it’s how hard I run the ball,” Negrete said. “Even when I get hit, I will keep my feet moving.” Even though Grain Valley will be tasked with replacing perhaps the most talented running back in their program’s history, Allie and his players are confident they can have a successful season in the running game. “With what we have back there, we will be just fine,” Harris said. “I think we are good at being powerful running backs and being physical. Everyone is physical and knows how to get it done.” From left, Grain Valley sophomores Sjoeren Aumua, Alby Negrete and Zach Dowhower will look to earn playing time at the running back position for the football team in 2024. Photo credit: Michael Smith Grain Valley senior Robert Palmer is a transfer from North Scott High School in Iowa and I'm will be in the mix for some carries at running back for the football team. He ran the ball 33 times for 309 yards and four touchdowns for North Scott in 2023. Photo credit: Michael Smith
by Tara Sallee, MS, RD, LD, Hy-Vee Corporate Dietitian
Intermittent fasting, a dietary approach that has gained popularity, is being hailed for its potential health and weight loss benefits. As Hy-Vee dietitians, we know eating isn’t one-size-fits-all. Let’s explore what intermittent fasting involves, its underlying mechanisms, potential health benefits, who should abstain from it and practical advice for those contemplating this dietary approach. A Closer Look at Intermittent Fasting In contrast to many conventional diets that prescribe what foods to consume, intermittent fasting is more concerned with the timing of food consumption. This dietary approach incorporates a fasting period into each day or week. Several popular intermittent fasting methods exist, including alternate-day fasting, the 5:2 fasting method with two days per week and daily time-restricted fasting. Unpacking the Mechanics of Intermittent Fasting Intermittent fasting reduces the overall intake of calories. For many people, this approach may be easier than counting calories. Additionally, intermittent fasting may promote metabolic flexibility after exhausting the calories from your most recent meal as the body switches to utilizing fat for energy. Exploring the Potential Health Benefits Snacking, especially up until bedtime, is a practice that has become common with the abundance of snack foods and now 24/7 entertainment, which may not be as beneficial to our bodies as once thought. Time-restricted fasting methods, such as fasting from 7 pm to 7 am, can help curb late-night snacking, which may lead to lower blood sugar and insulin levels, aiding in weight loss. Moreover, fasting has been shown to help reduce inflammation, a benefit that could prove significant for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis and stroke. When to Refrain from Intermittent Fasting Intermittent fasting is not a one-size-fits-all solution and is not suitable for everyone. For example, individuals under the age of 18, those who are malnourished, people with a history of eating disorders, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with certain medical conditions should avoid intermittent fasting. Furthermore, intermittent fasting can have negative repercussions for women, given the effects of caloric restriction on female hormones, fertility, and bone health. It may not be advisable for individuals who have irregular sleep patterns, irregular menstrual cycles, thyroid issues, or are under high levels of stress. Practical Advice for Intermittent Fasting For those contemplating intermittent fasting, it's important to stay hydrated during fasting periods with water and other functional low-calorie beverages such as Liquid IV Sugar-Free, Hop Wtr, Remedy Kombucha, and Smartwater. If your health care provider gives you the green light, you might start by fasting for just 12 hours overnight. Aim to consume three balanced meals of protein, high-fiber carbohydrates and healthy fats spread evenly throughout your designated eating window. It's important to remember that fasting is a tool, not a rigid diet plan. Monitor your hunger and fullness signals closely. If you begin to experience symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, reduced energy, lack of concentration or loss of menstrual cycle, it may be time to revert to a more regular eating schedule. Meeting with a registered dietitian can be beneficial in determining the optimal foods to consume when not fasting and whether supplements could be beneficial in addressing potential nutrient deficiencies. If breakfast is not a meal you're accustomed to eating, consider starting your day with Core Power, a portable, easy-to-consume protein beverage to break your fast and sustain energy levels throughout the day. This will provide 26g of high-quality protein to build muscle and electrolytes to help hydrate. Then, make your next meal of the day balanced with protein and fiber. Try this Tequila-Spiked Salmon Bowls recipe. Cooking with alcohol intensifies the aromas and flavors of food by binding fat and water molecules that don’t usually mix. This unique reaction enhances the taste and smell of food in ways that cooking with water, broth, butter, and oil cannot. As Hy-Vee dietitians, we believe food should not only provide nutrition, but meals should also be enjoyable and taste good! Tequila-Spiked Salmon Bowls Serves 4 All you need: 4 (4 to 6 ounce) Fish Market frozen Alaskan sockeye salmon fillets, skin removed cut into 1-inch cubes ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons Lawry’s 30-minute Caribbean jerk with papaya juice marinade, divided ½ cup blanco tequila, divided 2 small jalapeno peppers, thinly sliced, divided 2 cups Hy-Vee Short-Cuts pineapple chunks, cut into ½ inch cubes ¼ cup fresh lemon juice ½ small red cabbage, trimmed; leaves separated 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into julienne strips Hy-Vee olive oil cooking spray 2 (8.5 ounce) packages Hy-Vee microwavable jasmine rice 1 medium avocado, seeded, peeled and thinly sliced 2 medium red radishes, thinly sliced 2 yellow mangoes, pitted, scored and inverted All you do:
Shop all of these ingredients at Hy-Vee Aisles Online. Ready to spend more time fasting in a healthy way with help from your Hy-Vee dietitian? Check out Hy-Vee’s Balancing Your Blood Sugar program for tips on becoming more metabolically flexible while prioritizing nourishing meals. This group program aims to help reduce cravings and hunger by focusing on protein and fiber at each meal. Clients often report feeling more satiated between meals and before bed, allowing more time spent in a fasted state. Register online now. The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice. This content was made possible with the paid support of our sponsors Liquid IV, Hop Wtr, Remedy Kombucha, Smartwater and Core Power. by Burton Kelso, The Tech Expert
You should know that protecting your social security numbers, bank account numbers, pins, credit cards, and passwords is key to stopping identity thieves and hackers. But have you attempted to keep your mobile number safe from prying eyes? Your telephone number is used to validate your identity to access your online accounts, and fraudsters are developing more sophisticated attacks to take advantage. Phone port fraud is the latest scam crooks are using to gain access to your personal information. Read on to find out how this works and how to keep yourself safe. What is phone porting fraud? Phone porting fraud is when your mobile phone number is ported to a new telecommunications provider without your consent. A phone port can be initiated with a criminal providing your name, mobile number, email, and your date of birth. If your phone number has been illegally ported, you lose mobile phone reception, access to network data, and the ability to call and text. The crook who illegally ported your number can now text, and make calls from your phone number and is the new owner of your number. This also means cyber thieves can log into your online accounts from which you setup two factor authentication and use your mobile phone number to reset your passwords for those accounts and take over those accounts. How do criminals know my personal information? Cybercrooks may have obtained your information in several different ways. You may have clicked a phishing link through an email or text message and entered sensitive information, or your emails may have been compromised. Cyberthieves may have accessed personal information you may have accessible on social media profiles. They may have also accessed your information via ‘social engineering’ through a phone call or messaging app. ‘Social engineering’ is the act of manipulating people to give up confidential or sensitive information. Crooks may have also located your information on the dark web from a variety of large data breaches in which your information may have been leaked. Signs You May be a victim of a port fraud. Your service is suddenly disconnected and showing ‘SOS only’. Unexpected texts from your provider advising that you have requested your number to be ported to another network. How to prevent phone porting. Stop giving out your mobile number to the public. Only share it with close family and friends. Setup a WhatsApp or Google Voice number to share with the public. Contact your phone provider and increase your security questions to unique answers only you would know. Remove your email, mobile number, and date of birth from your social media profiles as well as any other online profiles. Use two-step verifications to log into your email account and banking apps. Never click a link you receive via email or text message. Be aware of cold calls where a scammer will manipulate you to give up personal information such as your banking credentials, credit card, address, or date of birth. What do to if you suspect your phone has been ported. Contact your mobile phone provider immediately. Contact your financial institutions. Change your passwords to online banking, email, and social media accounts. Hopefully, this will give you tips to help you stay safe from phone porting scams. If you have any questions, please reach out. I'm always available. Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to [email protected]. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone. Jay Ashcroft pitches biggest reorganization of Missouri’s finances in state historyby Rudi Keller, Missouri Independent A February poll of Republican primary voters showed Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft had the most recognizable name in the race for governor. That shouldn’t be surprising. Ashcroft has held statewide office for eight years, and his father John ran statewide seven times, winning five elections for state attorney general, governor and U.S. senator before becoming U.S. Attorney General under President George W. Bush. Jay Ashcroft was born the year his father was appointed state auditor in 1973 and spent his teenage years living in the Governor’s Mansion. He learned that everything the family did was news when his mother got his dad in trouble by calling the state librarian on Mother’s Day so his brother could finish a homework assignment. “When I was a little kid, I made the decision that I wasn’t going to go into politics,” he said in an interview with The Independent after announcing his candidacy. “I said, ‘I’m never going to go into politics. I’m never going to be an attorney. I’m going to have a real job.’ Famous last words.” So first at the Merchant Marine Academy, where he did not do well, then later at Missouri University of Science and Technology, where he received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering management, Ashcroft stuck with his vow. He worked first at a defense contractor and later as a teacher of mechanical engineering and engineering technology at St. Louis Community College. But he eventually did study law – at St. Louis University – and went to work in the law firm his father founded after leaving public life.
Then politics beckoned, though just like his father, his first race didn’t go well. His 2014 bid for a St. Louis County state Senate seat ended in defeat. He bounced back two years later when he was elected secretary of state, getting the second largest majority of all Republicans on the statewide ballot. He won a second term in 2020. Now he’s set his sights on following his father into the governor’s mansion. If he wins, he’ll be the first son of a governor elected to the office since John Sappington Marmaduke in 1884. Locked in a three-way battle for the GOP nomination with Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe and state Sen. Bill Eigel, Ashcroft hopes voters see how he has used his power as secretary of state to advance a conservative agenda. He’s implemented rules requiring libraries to obtain parental consent for materials their children borrow — or face a loss of state funding. And he’s being sued for imposing rules on financial advisers requiring them to get investor consent for making a company’s stand on climate action or other socially driven issues — also known as ESG for environmental social governance — a factor in an investment decision. Perhaps his highest profile official action led to the court battle over ballot language for a proposal to make abortion a state constitutional right. When the language was challenged, Ashcroft took the rare step of officially joining the legal team defending it — a fight he ultimately lost. It was in the midst of that fight, however, that he won the endorsement of the state’s largest anti-abortion group, Missouri Right to Life. Outside the strict duties of his office, in recent years Ashcroft has been testifying before legislative committees in favor of bills that would ban certain medical treatments for transgender minors and ban foreign ownership of farmland, among others. And he became highly involved in the unsuccessful effort to redraw Missouri’s congressional maps in a way that eliminated a Democratic seat in Kansas City. In the run up to the Aug. 6 primary, The Independent asked Ashcroft a series of questions with one theme — what would Missouri be like if he becomes governor? Here’s some of what he said:
Budget and taxes
Like both his major opponents, Ashcroft wants to eliminate the state income tax. And like Eigel, he wants to repeal the 2021 gas tax increase. The 2021 increase was the first state fuel tax increase since 1992, when John Ashcroft signed a bill adding 4 cents a gallon. The 2021 increase was passed with strong backing from Kehoe. His plan, Ashcroft said, is to cut spending and reorganize the state tax system so more money from earmarked sources is placed in the general revenue fund. “I truly think the government’s doing too much,” Ashcroft said. “Looking at COVID, we were spending the same amount of money but the government was seemingly shut down and life went along fine.” In the eight years since Republicans took control of the governor’s office, the state budget has increased from $27.5 billion, with $9.7 billion coming from general revenue in fiscal 2017, to $51.6 billion and $15.1 billion from general revenue in the current year. The top income tax rate is currently 4.8% and in the fiscal year that ended June 30, the personal income tax accounted for 65% of general revenue collections. There are future tax cuts, depending on revenue increases, that would drop the top rate to 4.5%. The other two categories of money funding state operations are federal funds, often requiring a state match, and “other” funds, totaling $12.1 billion, generated by taxes and fees for specialized purposes.
“We want to go back to the people and say you have these designated funds,” Ashcroft said. “We’d like you to allow us to put those into general revenue to spend as the state needs and in return for that will give you an immediate decrease in your income tax for giving us that flexibility.” If enacted, Ashcroft’s proposal would be the biggest reorganization of state government finances in state history. It would require intense legislative work, followed by one or more statewide votes. Bringing dedicated funds into general revenue would eliminate earmarked funding for conservation and state parks and soil conservation. It would also end a 1982 sales tax that provides $1,513 per pupil to school districts and the motor fuel tax fund, which took in $1 billion. Gambling taxes from casinos and the lottery are worth about $750 million annually, money that is dedicated to education needs. Putting the money under the control of the governor and lawmakers, Ashcroft said, will lead to greater oversight. “In the road fund, the way it’s done, there is no accountability for how those funds are spent,” Ashcroft said. “But when you put them in general revenue, then the legislature can have oversight over those and we the people can really be involved in making sure those funds are being spent correctly.” Through a combination of budget cuts and reorganization, Ashcroft said the income tax can be put on a “glide path” to elimination. He’s not going to specify any cuts during the campaign, Ashcroft said. “I’m not gonna roll all of that out right now,” Ashcroft said. “What I have done is shown that it’s eminently possible because of the number of dollars.”
Crime
Ashcroft’s proposals involve a multi-pronged approach to crime — more police on the streets, more investment in mental health services and local incarceration for some offenders. He wants the state to support the hiring of 1,000 new police officers, Ashcroft said. The goal would be to increase the Missouri State Highway Patrol to its full strength of 1,064 troopers and help local agencies attract new officers. “There are a whole lot of other things that we can do to draw people that are officers elsewhere and say, if you’re willing to serve the public, you want to be a public servant, Missouri is the place where you want to do it,” Ashcroft said. Under the Missouri Constitution, the legislature is prohibited from requiring a “new activity or service or an increase in the level of any activity or service beyond that required by existing law” without paying for it with state funds. Staffing shortages in local agencies mean they are under strength and the state can help without having to pay the full cost, Ashcroft said. “There probably will be some financial support from the state but you also have to understand there are other things the state needs to do,” Ashcroft said. Statewide, Missouri State Highway Patrol statistics show that both violent crimes and property crimes declined in 2023 compared to 2022. FBI data, however, shows both violent and property crime rates in Missouri have been higher than the national average for the past decade. In addition to increasing the number of police patrolling Missouri’s streets and highways, Ashcroft said he wants to address mental health issues that lead to arrests. In February there were approximately 300 people in county jails awaiting a bed in a state mental health facility and state mental health officials forecast it will be 500 by the end of the year.
The Department of Mental Health faces major staffing shortages with more than one-third licensed practical nurse slots unfilled, two out of every five jobs for psychiatrists unfilled and fewer than one-third of licensed clinical social worker slots filled. Missouri should invest more in community mental health programs that can provide help before people are in crisis, Ashcroft said. “We’re already incurring a cost for these people, but we’re incurring it in such a way that we don’t incentivize the reduction of the costs or getting these people help,” he said. Over the past decade, the number of people in state custody has gone down by about one-third, from an average of 31,442 in 2012 to 2014 to an average of 23,409 in the 2020-2022 period. Missouri closed a prison in 2019 and housing units in others during 2020 to save money on partially used facilities. Despite that reduction, deaths in state prisons have increased from an average of 89 per year to 122 per year, with 135 deaths in 2023. Four corrections officers are charged with murder of an inmate at Jefferson City Correctional Center in December and the warden was fired. One issue for the state is staffing shortages, Ashcroft said. Many prisons are in rural areas where there is a limited ability to recruit correction officers. His solution, he said, is to house some offenders in local facilities. Federal agencies house their prisoners in county jails and the payments help defer local costs, he said. “They don’t want to do that for the state right now because the state doesn’t pay what it costs to house those individuals,” Ashcroft said. The state could pay more, and support regional facilities, he said. There would also be a benefit for the families of people who are incarcerated, Ashcroft said. “That might be better if their families are there,” he said. “Does that mean that you see your children more?”
Family legacy
The Ashcroft name means a lot in southwest Missouri, where John Ashcroft began his political career and Robert Ashcroft, Jay’s grandfather, was the first president of Evangel College, said state Rep. Bill Owen of Springfield. The family still owns land near Willard. Ashcroft’s father hasn’t taken a major role in the campaign, but he did make a video attacking Kehoe over land ownership by Chinese companies. And he shows up in campaign photos on occasion. “The family is so ingrained in the community and in the area, people just feel really comfortable with him down here,” Owen said. On the campaign trail, Ashcroft’s foes have accused him of running mainly on his famous name. After Ashcroft said at a recent debate that his father wasn’t happy about his opposition to public funding of professional sports stadiums, Eigel was ready with a rejoinder: “Jay, be a little easy on your dad, you need that last name.”
Jay Ashcroft has created his own identity, separate from his family, Owen added. “Some people would be swallowed up by the shadow,” he said. “And I don’t think he has been. On his own merits, he’s been able to stand out on his own.” In 1998, as he considered a White House bid, John Ashcroft wrote a book he titled “Lessons from a Father to his Son.” The biggest lesson he learned from his father, Jay Ashcroft said, is the honor in public service. “It was ordained by God before time began the fact that public service is one of the, if not the, greatest things you can do in life because you spend your time making life better for others instead of just elevating yourself,” Ashcroft said. “And the idea of integrity of character, and how valuable it is to have a good name, and no matter what you do, to protect them.” GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
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Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: [email protected]. Follow Missouri Independent on Facebook and X. Missouri among worst states for women’s overall health, reproductive care, study findsby Anna Spoerre, Missouri Independent Missouri women have more limited access to health care and worse outcomes than any other state in the Midwest, a new study of the nation’s health care system found. Missouri ranks 40th out of 51 states plus the District of Columbia on the 2024 state scorecard on women’s health and reproductive care, published by the Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation focused on health care issues. The study assessed and compared 32 pieces of information derived primarily from public data sources in 2022, which was after most of the major effects of COVID had been felt, but before most abortion bans had really started to impact data findings, the creators of the scorecard said. Missouri continues to see maternal and infant mortality rates, breast and cervical cancer death rates, preterm births, congenital syphilis and depression leading up to or during pregnancy at rates that are higher than the national average. There are more women in Missouri between the ages of 18 and 44 reporting they hadn’t seen a doctor in the past year because of the cost than all but 10 other states. “One thing is absolutely clear,” Joe Betancourt, president of the Commonwealth Fund, told reporters when the study was published last week. “Women’s Health in the U.S. is in a very fragile state.” Missouri ranked among the states with the lowest low-risk c-section rates, postpartum depression and up-to-date pneumonia vaccines for post-menopausal women. But it fared among the worst nationally for breast and cervical cancer deaths, up-to-date pap smears, and mental health among women ages 18 to 64. It also ranked poorly when analyzing access to abortion clinics. Nearly every abortion became illegal in Missouri in 2022. A citizen-led ballot measure is hoping to enshrine abortion rights in the Missouri constitution. “We are seeing a deep and likely growing geographic divide in U.S. women’s ability to access vital health services and maintain their health,” said Sara Collins, a co-author on the Commonwealth Fund study. “Particularly among women of reproductive age.” Ashley Kuykendall, director of service delivery for the Missouri Family Health Council Inc., a nonprofit working to strengthen health care access across the state, said one of the most stark findings of the report was the combination of lack of access to wraparound care paired with poor health outcomes. But solutions exist, she said. One such solution:a women’s health omnibus bill that failed to pass in the statehouse this year despite widespread bipartisan support, that would have expanded birth control coverage, increased congenital syphilis testing and eased access to mammograms and STI testing. “The state legislature has an incredible power and responsibility to support better care for people across the reproductive health spectrum,” Kuykendall said. “Especially, as this report highlights, for folks who are pregnant or postpartum.”
Health and reproductive care outcomes
Missouri ranked 43 of 51 for this category, which includes maternal and infant mortality and physical and mental health issues. Some data was analyzed using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. Missouri is among 33 states who participate in this federal program. Of those states, Missouri had the highest percentage of women who recently gave birth and reported experiencing intimate partner violence before, during or after their pregnancy. Missouri has some of the highest pregnancy-associated maternal mortality rates in the United States, which already ranks worst among countries of similar economies for high maternal deaths. In Missouri between 2018 and 2020,women on Medicaid were 10 times more likely to die within a year of pregnancy than women on private insurance, according to a 2023 report from the state’s Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review. Black mothers were three times more likely to die within a year of pregnancy than white mothers. Of the 210 pregnancy-related deaths over those three years in Missouri, the majority were deemed preventable. Mental health conditions were the leading underlying cause of death, including due to suicide and substance use. The latest study found Missouri had one of the highest percentages of women between the ages of 18 and 64 who reported poor mental health, landing 48 of 51.
Coverage, access and affordability
Missouri ranked slightly better — 39 of 51 — in this category, which includes insurance coverage and health care affordability and access. Of the 33 states that provided data around health insurance coverage, Missouri ranked third-worst for women uninsured the month before becoming pregnant, and sixth-worst for women who didn’t have health insurance during a recent pregnancy. This is despite Missouri legislators’ decision to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to a year in 2023. A better-funded, better-staffed and more accessible public health safety net is also critical, said Kuykendall. This summer, Gov. Mike Parson signed into law a bill ending Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood, including for patients who go to the clinic for preventive exams, family planning and STI testing. Those opposed to the bill warned such a law would strain the state’s already fragile public health safety net. “The need for these services far outweighs the current capacity for the safety net to provide them,” Kuykendall said. “Any funding cuts to those providers not only limits patients’ ability to access care, but also puts further strain on the health care workforce and will undoubtedly worsen these outcomes.” Recent surveying by the health care nonprofit found that wait times across the state’s overburdened safety net clinics averaged between five and seven weeks. These 68 clinics receive Title X funding and do not turn anyone away, regardless of their ability to pay. The study found that approximately 5.6 million women across the country live in counties that are considered maternity care deserts. In Missouri, 41% of counties are designated maternity care deserts, meaning there are no maternity care providers or birthing facilities. Missouri’s rate is higher than the national rate of 32%, according to a separate 2023 report from the March of Dimes. Across the state, 10% of women do not live within 30 minutes of a birthing hospital. In the last decade, 19 hospitals across Missouri have closed, according to the Missouri Hospital Association. “There is an issue of access that’s very real,” Kuykendall said. The authors of the study were also deliberate in considering outcomes in states with abortion bans and restrictions. “There’s concern that abortion bans or limits will further reduce the number of providers offering maternity care owing to increased risk of legal action that provider’s face,” said David Radley, a senior scientist with the Commonwealth Fund. “Especially when states’ laws are ambiguous.” A recent study showed states with abortion bans saw a significant decrease in the number of medical residents applying to be in their OB-GYN programs.
Missouri saw a 25% drop in applicants since 2022, the highest drop in the nation second only to Arizona. “These inequities are long standing, no doubt, but recent policy choices and judicial decisions restricting access to reproductive care have and may continue to exacerbate them, Commonwealth Fund president Betancourt said of the study’s findings when related to states with abortion bans. “It also serves as a glaring reminder that where you live matters to your health and health care.”
Health care quality and prevention
Missouri landed in slot 35 of 51 for this category, which includes c-section rates, preventative care, pre and post-partum care and mental health screenings. In better news, Missouri ranked 15 of 51 among states with the lowest rates of c-sections during low-risk births, which Kuykendall attributed in part to the state health department’sincreased focus on doula programs. Missouri was slightly below the national average for the percentage of women eligible for mammograms who underwent the breast cancer screening in the past two years (75%), and the percentage of women ages 21 through 65 who had a pap smear, which screens for cervical cancer, in the past three years (78%). Among the more concerning data points to Kuykendall was a report that 19% of women between the ages of 18 and 44 in the past 12 months had put off seeing a doctor because of the cost. This data resonates with what she hears often from Missourians, who say it can be difficult to access even the most basic health care for reasons including cost, lack of transportation and lack of options. “It was a positive step that Missouri expanded Medicaid,” Kuykendall said, “And I think we have a long way to go in terms of ensuring everyone who should have access to care in that new environment actually does.” Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: [email protected]. Follow Missouri Independent on Facebook and X. The following information is derived from Grain Valley Police Department daily calls service log for the week of July 17-23, 2024.
July 17, 2024 400 BLK CROSS CREEK DR Suspicious Vehicle PHQ Public Service 1400 BLK NW EAGLES PKWY Security Check MAIN ST/WALNUT Pedestrian Check MAIN ST/BROADWAY Suspicious Person 1300 BLK NW PERSIMMON DR Parking Complaint/Viol 1500 BLK NE ERIN CT Parking Complaint/Viol MAIN / 70 Motorist Assist 600 BLK SW GATEWAY DR Trespass 1200 BLK DAKOTA STAR CT Parking Complaint/Viol 1100 BLK NE MCQUERRY RD Follow Up Investigation 31000 BLK NE PINK HILL RD Administrative AARON LN / BROADWAY Suspicious Person 500 BLK NW GREGG ST Follow Up Investigation 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol R D MIZE RD / MEADOW Motorist Assist 1100 BLK NW HILLTOP LN Reposession 1000 BLK HILLTOP LN Citizen Contact JEFFERSON/W OF BB Area Check 900 BLK NW HICKORYWOOD DR Sound of Shots July 18, 2024 1400 BLK NW EAGLES PKWY Security Check SNI-A-BAR ROUND ABOUT Area Check 100 BLK SE AA HWY Stealing Vehicle 1100 BLK NE MCQUERRY RD Parking Complaint/Viol WB70 / JP EXIT Area Check 100 BLK E US OLD 40 HWY Follow Up Investigation 600 BLK NW YENNIE AVE UNIT 215 Disturbance-Verbal 100 BLK SUNNY LN Follow Up Investigation 800 BLK NW GREEN DR Standby to Prevent 200 BLK NW ROYERS LN Citizen Contact PHQ Walk In Report PHQ Public Service 2600 BLK BEACH DR Warrant Attempt July 19, 2024 507 SE CHELSEY LN Citizen Contact VALLEY RIDGE/JEFFERSON Sound of Shots ASPEN / HILLTOP Suspicious Vehicle PHQ Walk In Report PHQ Public Service 1100 BLK NW CHRISMAN FARM RD Stealing Vehicle PHQ Public Service 200 BLK SW EAGLES PKWY Stealing Under $750 400 BLK COLDWATER CREEK Vehicle Check PHQ Walk In Report 200 BLK SW EAGLES PKWY Property Damage 100 BLK BROADWAY ST Citizen Contact PHQ Public Service PHQ Walk In Report PHQ Public Service 1100 BLK S BUCKNER TARSNEY RD Citizen Assist 700 BLK N MAIN ST Assault 400 BLK S OSAGE ST Citizen Contact July 20, 2024 PHQ Public Service 5900 BLK S MINTER RD Sound of Shots 1100 BLK BUSH DR Extra Patrol 900 BLK SHORTHORN DR Citizen Contact 400 BLK FOOT HILL DR Noise PHQ Public Service PHQ Citizen Contact 1200 BLK SW STOCKMAN CT Agency Assist EMS PHQ Citizen Contact 100 BLK S MAIN (BUCKNER TARSNEY) Trespass 700 LK N MAIN ST Disturbance-Verbal 200 BLK NW JEFFERSON Warrant Attempt 1100 BLK NW HILLTOP LN Harrassment 200 BLK NW JEFFERSON ST Warrant Attempt S BUCKNER TARSNEY RD / SW RYAN RD Fireworks 700 BLK SW HARVEST CIR Area Check 100 BLK N MAIN ST Stealing Vehicle 300 BLK NW YENNIE ST Citizen Contact 1300 BLK NW WILLOW DR Noise EB 70 / SB BB Area Check 500 BLK N MAIN ST Pedestrian Check July 21, 2024 PHQ Walk In Report 1000 BLK SW CROSS CREEK DR Residence Check; Agency Assist DFS 600 BLK NW YENNIE AVE Area Check 1100 BLK BUSH DR Extra Patrol 900 BLK SW SHORTHORN DR Suspicious Person 900 BLK SW SHORTHORN DR Follow Up Investigation WESTBOUND SNI A BAR FROM RD MIZE Area Check 100 BLK SUNNY LN Trespass PHQ Public Service PHQ Public Service 1200 BLK DAKOTA STAR CT Parking Complaint/Viol PHQ Walk In Report PHQ Public Service PHQ Walk In Report 200 BLK N CYPRESS ST Parking Complaint/Viol 700 BLK SW MEADOWOOD DR Animal Control 700 BLK SW TISHA LN Open Door-Structure 400 BLK CROSS CREEK DR Suspicious Vehicle 1100 BLK SW EPHRAIM DR Disturbance-Physical GRAIN VALLEY CEMETERY Suspicious Vehicle 1200 BLK NW ASHLEY DR Reposession July 22, 2024 300 BLK NW WOODBURY DR Noise 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol 100 BLK 3RD ST Alarm-Commerical BB/MCQUERRY Crash Non-Injury 40 AND OOIDA Motorist Assist 300 BLK NW JEFFERSON ST Citizen Contact 1400 BLK NW BROADWAY Abandoned Vehicle 1300 BLK BROADWAY Parking Complaint/Viol 100 BLK N MAIN ST Citizen Contact PHQ Walk In Report 100 BLK CROSS CREEK DR Disturbance-Physical 1200 BLK NW COTTONWOOD CT Dead Body 1000 BLK SW CROSS CREEK DR Check Well Being NE TUDOR RD Prisoner Transport PHQ Public Service 1400 BLK GOLFVIEW DR Alarm-Commerical July 23, 2024 1200 BLK WILLOW DR Warrant Attempt 900 BLK NW CRESTWOOD DR Noise 700 BLK N MAIN ST Follow Up Investigation 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR suite A Alarm-Commerical 1300 BLK BROADWAY Parking Complaint/Viol 1400 BLK NW EAGLE RIDGE DR Agency Assist LE 100 BLK E MCQUERRY RD Area Check PHQ Public Service 1000 BLK NE DEER CREEK RD Standby to Prevent 1200 BLK NW LINDENWOOD DR Disturbance-Verbal PHQ Walk In Report PHQ Public Service 500 BLK GREGG ST Alarm-Commerical 200 BLK NW JEFFERSON Warrant Attempt 800 BLK SW MONTANA RIDGE DR Agency Assist EMS PHQ Public Service 900 BLK NW EAGLE RIDGE DR Disturbance-Physical 1000 BLK SW CROSS CREEK DR Warrant Arrest 600 BLK NW WALNUT ST Check Well Being 600 BLK SW SHORTHORN RD Parking Complaint/Viol 100 BLK SUNNY LN Disturbance-Verbal WB 70/WB BB Agency Assist LE Additional calls for service: Suicidal subject: 3 Order of protection: 1 by Michael Smith Late spring and this summer, athletes at Grain Valley High School got to enjoy some of the benefits of a $32 million bond issue voter approved on April 4, 2023. The bond issue, which primarily aimed to fund the high school gymnasium and fieldhouse addition, included an addition of a new weight room and turf field for the baseball and softball teams to use, both of which have been completed and used this year. The additions have created buzz among the students and coaches as they have enjoyed using both facilities. The new weight room, on the southwest side of the school, will affect all 20 sports programs for the high school. It has two brand new weight racks and new weights athletes can use to improve their strength and conditioning. The equipment came from some of the best companies for designing weightlifting equipment like Sorinex and Intek. There are also spots where students can use jammer arms and have areas to work on medicine ball exercises along with some plyometric boxes used for step up and jumping exercises. “It’s state of the art,” Grain Valley head football coach David Allie said of the new weight room. “The district made a huge investment in the Grain Valley athletes and it’s going to help improve athletic performances. There is nothing we can’t do in that room.” “When the weight room opened, it was like Christmas in May for the kids. The first couple of weeks were awe inspiring. The kids were excited to just look at it. We now have one of the best weight rooms not only in the metro, but possibly the state.” Head softball coach Flip Courter shared the same excitement for the weight room as Allie. “It’s definitely a step up from what we had and it’s a much more organized space,” Courter said. “All the equipment is top notch. The admin and everyone involved in putting this together spared no expense. The things we are able to do in this weight room we would have never been able to do in our old weight room.” All of the new equipment allows each individual athletic program to tailor the workouts based on what will benefit the athletes for their specific sport. “It’s probably the most used room in the entire school district,” Grain Valley activities director Brandon Hart said. “If you don’t have a strong conditioning program, then your athletics are going to suffer. We’ve built a program to meet the diverse needs of each individual. There are attachments to the racks that will allow kids to customize their workouts to be tailored to the sport they are participating in.” As for the turf field, the baseball team broke it in during a jamboree against Lee’s Summit West and Truman on March 9. The new field, which will be used for both the baseball and softball teams, is beneficial for coaches and players as it requires a minimum amount of maintenance and will prevent it from being unplayable after rain or thunderstorms. The dimensions are 305 feet to right field, 375 to center and 300 to left. For softball games, the school has fencing panels the team can use to shorten the distance needed for a hitter to earn a home run. When both teams had their old grass fields, it was difficult to play games after rain. “On the old field, you could find crawdads in the outfield,” Hart said. “Our outfields were probably one of the worst in the city prior to this renovation. “The turf field has been a game changer for our programs. You can play on turf 365 days a year.” Courter agreed. “We had one of the lower end softball facilities in the Suburban Conference and possibly in the entire (Kansas City) metro and now we have one of the best,” Courter said. “I got a message from a mom that said her daughter was excited to get out there on the new field.” “We can now practice after it has been raining.” Courter said it will be an adjustment for some of his players to go from playing on a dirt infield and grass outfield, to a full turf field, but the change for him and his players has been a big positive. The addition of the new field likely will make Grain Valley High School one of the primary options to host a future district tournament. “The field is going to be a little more bouncy than they are used to,” Courter said. “A lot of these girls play year-round and have familiarity with playing on turf. We play quite a few teams that are already on turf.” “We will work on keeping our throws low and let the turf help get the ball where it needs to go.” In addition to the turf field, there is a facility next to it that Courter has dubbed “The Barn.” It is an outhouse that is equipped with two full size batting cages, a turf area and lockers. It will be used when there is inclement weather outside. Courter said his team can field ground balls, take batting practice and participate in bullpen sessions in The Barn. The leftover turf from the field was used for The Barn. It will function as a locker room and clubhouse,” Courter said. “I talked to other coaches and they are jealous of the new field and they are really jealous of the new facility.” “We couldn’t have done this without the support of the community. There is going to be a huge percentage of the student population that is going to use at least one of these new facilities.” Freshman Ellarae Hay fields a ground ball on the new turf field. Photo credit: Michael Smith Senior Izzy Salsman uses the new weight equipment during her routine. Photo credit: Michael Smith Grain Valley sophomore Molly Jones leaps on top of a plyometric box in the new high school weight room. Photo credit: Michael Smith
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by Addie Rainbolt, Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce Marketing Intern Alyssa K Scholl Agency, LLC is an American Family Insurance agency in Grain Valley. Alyssa Scholl, agency owner, said American Family Insurance provides auto, home, business, health, and life insurance, so essentially “anything you need to protect.” Alyssa K Scholl Agency, LLC is licensed in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Ohio, Scholl said, and has been open for three years. While Scholl was originally located in Independence, she said, “I wanted to move into a community that was growing and booming, and Grain Valley was the place to be.” Scholl said she grew up in Blue Springs and has enjoyed watching Grain Valley grow and prosper. Now that she is located in the heart of Grain Valley, Scholl said she has gotten to experience this growth firsthand. When deciding to move to Grain Valley, Scholl said she believed she “could leave a bigger impact in a smaller community” because small towns do not typically have very many local resources. Scholl hoped to become one of these local resources. Scholl said the biggest goal of moving Alyssa K Scholl Agency, LLC to Grain Valley was to get involved in the community. Scholl said Alyssa K Scholl Agency, LLC is unique from other insurance providers because they have a small staff. A smaller staff allows Alyssa K Scholl Agency, LLC to be more personable with customers and involved in the community. Alyssa K Scholl Agency, LLC strives to provide excellent customer service, so each customer feels valued, Scholl said. “We’re not just an 1-800 number,” Scholl said; customers “are more than welcome to come in, we can go out to them, we’ll take phone calls,” or whatever is required to make them feel valued. “Because we are so small,” Scholl said, “we do know a lot of our customers” outside of the office setting. Moreover, Scholl said, “They know us, they know our life stories.” Getting to provide them with insurance simply allows Alyssa K Scholl Agency, LLC staff to further their friendships with customers and fellow community members. People are more than customers, Scholl said, “they are somebody that matters to us.” “I’ve always been one to help people in times of need and typically when people are calling us for insurance reasons, it’s not always a pleasant phone call,” Scholl said. So, Alyssa K Scholl Agency, LLC wants to be the calm in the storm for those customers. According to Scholl, most people do not typically think about their insurance until they need it; however, “when those catastrophes do strike, customers want to know that we’re here for them.” Alyssa K Scholl Agency, LLC. being local “gives people a sense of peace,” Scholl claimed. “We want to be sure we can provide that to customers when they do have something happen.” Additionally, because community involvement was Alyssa K Scholl Agency, LLC’s driving force of moving to Grain Valley, Scholl said they are intentional about their activity. Their recent community involvement includes sponsoring First Fridays, the Grain Valley Fair, and supporting activities at Grain Valley High School. Ultimately, Alyssa K Scholl Agency, LLC is “really big on giving back” and “helping out,” Scholl said. Alyssa K Scholl Agency, LLC is located at 115 SW Eagles Pkwy. Its operating hours are Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Website: https://www.amfam.com/agents/missouri/grain-valley/alyssa-scholl Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alyssaschollAMFAM by Michael Smith Grain Valley graduate Avery Garmon remembers how stressful his freshman season was at Rockhurst University. He admitted when he came on to the team, he was pressing to try and prove himself. At first, playing Division II baseball was a struggle. Fast forward one year later, Garmon has found his confidence and has been one of the strongest hitters not only the Hawks; he’s been a standout for his Ban Johnson summer league team – Building Champions. For Rockhurst, Garmon started in 26 games and played in 40. He was an extremely productive hitter, having a .345 batting average with a .970 on-base-plus-slugging percentage, two home runs and 25 runs batted in. In the Ban Johnson, he was named an all-star and played at Kauffman Stadium last Wednesday as a part of the National Division Team. He had a breakout season, hitting .40, having a gaudy 1.124 OPS with two home runs, 18 RBIs, 17 runs scored and six doubles. Having the support of his head coach at Rockhurst, Garry Burns, helped him have a successful sophomore season. “Coach Burns had faith in me at Rockhurst,” Garmon said. “That helped me gain confidence. I had the freshman jitters at first, but at the end of the year, I was rolling and everything felt like normal baseball. I am relaxed and confident.” At Rockhurst, Garmon had hit anywhere from third in the batting order to seventh. He has played at third base, second, first, and even the outfield once. He knew his strength was going to be his hitting and he’s proven to be a reliable bat for both Rockhurst and Building Champions. “The key to success was knowing that I didn’t have to do a lot. I just needed to hit the ball hard like normal,” Garmon said. “If you put too much pressure on yourself, it makes things a lot harder. At the end of the day, it’s just baseball.” Going into Rockhurst, Garmon didn’t know what position he was going to play. Coach Burns asked what position I am going to win and I said, whatever position my bat gets me. I have always been a good hitter and have always hit for average.” Added Building Champions manager Jim Hernandez: “He can hit for average and he has a little bit of pop. He’s hit a couple of home runs for us. He takes what they give him. He sprays the baseball all around the field. He grinds.” Garmon credits his father, Rob, for much of his success at hitting. “I worked with him a lot on my hitting,” Garmon said of his father. “He would take me to hit at the batting cages whenever he could. He threw me a lot of batting practice pitches. My friends looked at him as the hitting guru.” “He was my hitting coach off the field.” As a left-handed hitter, one of the bigger challenges of his career has been hitting left-handed pitching. In baseball, it is common for left-handed hitters to struggle against left-handed pitches, but Garmon said he feels like he’s handled it pretty well overall. In high school, lefties would maybe have three pitches. In college, the average pitchers have three pitches and sometimes four,” Garmon said. “Some of the pitchers throw fastballs in the 92-93 range and have four pitches (in college). As the spring went on, the more comfortable he got hitting left-handed pitching. “The hardest pitch to hit is a curveball that comes in level with your front shoulder. It looks like it’s about to hit you and that it’s not a strike, but then it falls right in the strike zone then you look kind of uncomfortable.” Currently, Garmon is on pace to have a successful baseball career in college. He said he is enjoying the game that he has been playing since he was 4 years old. He said his goal is to help Rockhurst make it back to the Great Lakes Valley Conference, a feat his team accomplished this spring. He also wants to move up in the lineup and earn all-conference and all-Midwest region honors. If his season in the Ban Johnson League this summer is any indication, he has a good chance at accomplishing those goals. “No one thought we were going to make the conference tournament this year,” Garmon said. “With the way the schedule is lined up next year, we have a good chance to do it again. “I also want to be an everyday player and be the best guy for this team.” Grain Valley graduate Avery Garmon is having a breakout season with the Building Champions team of the Ban Johnson baseball league over the summer. He was named an all-star of the league. Photo credit: Michael Smith
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