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by Annelise Hanshaw, Missouri Independent Statewide teacher development programs could curb educator burnout, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s blue ribbon commission concluded in its latest set of recommendations.
The commission, which is studying teacher recruitment and retention, presented its recommendations to the State Board of Education for review last week after speaking to teachers, administrators and community leaders. “The teachers who we spoke with during our meeting in May, told us they feel undervalued and overworked and lacked adequate staffing and resources to alleviate the pressures they face,” commission chairman Mark Walker told the board. “They also expressed a desire for comprehensive support and development systems that can contribute to their job satisfaction, their professional growth and overall well being.” Many of the group’s recommendations require legislative action. Its initial proposal, which sought long-term funding for teacher pay increases among other improvements, did not make it through the legislative session even with bipartisan support in the House. Rep. Ed Lewis, R-Moberly, turned the blue ribbon commission’s first report into a large part of his legislative package during the 2023 legislative session. Lewis’s bills addressing teacher recruitment and retention were merged into one at the committee level and passed the House 145-5. The omnibus bill was poised to come up for a Senate vote in the last few weeks of the legislative session, but filibusters and GOP infighting brought the Senate to a stop. Walker said the commission believed its first round of suggestions were essential, but the group knew teachers’ work environment must also be addressed. “The first report which we presented last fall focused on immediate short-term and long-term actions DESE and the State Board of legislature could take largely related to teacher compensation,” he said. “However, we also heard during our work last year that while compensation is crucial, teachers also need support for the day to day.” In a survey of Missouri educators conducted by the commission and the Hunt Institute, 77.3% of teachers reported that “increased flexibility during school hours, including time to develop lessons, collaborate with other teachers, to receive feedback and coaching and to engage in professional learning” would help their career. The blue ribbon commission suggests DESE study teaching models that place seasoned educators with novices and create leadership opportunities, likely including a two-teachers-per-classroom setup. Board member Mary Schrag of West Plains said teachers are mentoring others in their free time already, but she believes adding a financial incentive could expand this practice. The commission suggests collaborating with the legislature to secure grant funding for districts who begin this costly instructional model. The career ladder program might provide a higher salary for teachers who take on a leadership role. The program typically pays teachers for taking on additional responsibilities, like coaching roles or sponsoring a club, so the commission suggests checking statute to see if this program would apply. Continuing with a theme of teacher advancement, the blue ribbon commission recommends the creation of a master teaching certificate that provides opportunities in schools and increased pay. Walker said the group thinks this piece is “really, really important.” Schrag sees a master teaching certificate as a way for teachers to financially advance while staying in their roles. “We have a lot of educators who really love teaching. But in order to be able to financially progress through the system, a lot of times they are being forced to go into different areas of education,” she said. The commission also included recommendations for actions administrators could take. It calls on DESE to work with the Missouri School Boards Association and the Missouri Association of School Administrators to develop training for district leaders to promote a positive school culture. The commission also wants to leverage the Missouri Leadership Development System, a training program for school administrators, to educate all the state’s principals and assistant principals. Board member Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge said she would like to see more of a focus on student behavior and mental health. Lucy Berrier Matheson, the Hunt Institute’s deputy director of K-12 initiatives, said behavior is a problem “across the country” returning to the classroom from virtual learning. “I think that is something that everyone is struggling with,” she said. If schools can add more teachers to the classroom and reduce the ratio of students to teachers, that will help with classroom management, she continued. “One of these recommendations standing alone probably doesn’t have near the effect or impact on classroom management as a multiplier of these recommendations,” Walker said. “But when you add them all together, it creates a tremendously improved environment.” Schrag said there is an upcoming meeting to discuss what legislators may be willing to sponsor. The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Air Quality Program has issued an orange Ozone Alert for Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. This alert indicates that an unhealthy level of ground-level ozone is expected tomorrow in the Kansas City region. This is the 13th alert for this ozone season.
"The hot, sunny summer continues,” Doug Norsby, MARC senior environmental planner said. “Without cloud cover, we need some sustained wind to mix and disperse air pollution. Unfortunately, low wind speeds, like those seen today, are expected to continue for the next day or two. This will cause the air around the region to stagnate and allow accumulated pollution to remain overnight. Under these conditions, ozone levels just keep building day after day without a chance to clear.” Ozone pollution is formed when emissions from vehicles, lawn and garden equipment, and other sources react in heat and sunlight. Environmental factors — such as warm, sunny weather; low wind speeds; and lack of rain — increase the likelihood of poor air quality. The two most important things residents should do on Ozone Alert days are: 1. PROTECT YOUR HEALTH Ozone pollution can cause a variety of problems — even in healthy adults — including chest pains, coughing, nausea, throat irritation and difficulty breathing. People who are sensitive to air pollution, including children, older adults and people with breathing or heart problems, should limit outdoor activity between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Everyone should consider scheduling outdoor activities before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. 2. REDUCE POLLUTION More than half of all emissions that lead to ozone pollution are caused by everyday activities such as driving and yard work. To help reduce air pollution, you can postpone mowing and wait until evening to refuel vehicles. If you live close to where you work, consider riding a bike or walking instead of driving. Both options produce zero emissions and the exercise is great for your health. Try to schedule walking and biking trips before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m., and avoid prolonged exposure to outdoor air. Learn more about simple actions to reduce pollution and follow the SkyCast, the region’s daily air quality forecast, at AirQKC.org. MARC issues the SkyCast each afternoon from March 1 through Oct. 31. SkyCast information is also available via the air quality information line, 816-701-8287, on social media at www.twitter.com/airQKC and from area media outlets. by Michael Smith The Grain Valley football team could be in for an offensive uptick in 2023. Well, that is if Friday’s preseason jamboree against Liberty North and Lee’s Summit is any indication of what might happen during the regular season. In 2022, the Eagles had mixed success against the same two teams as they scored just one touchdown and surrendered three. This time, Grain Valley fared much better. It scored five touchdowns and gave up three as the offense looked explosive at Lee’s Summit High School. “We started off a little slow and had a couple of penalties,” Grain Valley head coach David Allie said. “I am very, very happy with the offensive output, though.” Each team got to have four series total on offense and defense – two against each team. Two of the drives started at their own 30-yard line, where each team ran eight plays. The others started at the opponents’ 20, in which each team ran five plays per possession. New starting quarterback, Sal Caldarella, a transfer from Blue Springs, showed the Eagles could be in line to run more than 25 percent passing plays as it did in 2022. He connected on 7 of 14 passes for 148 yards and three touchdowns. He especially seemed to have a good connection with senior wide receiver Noah Olah. The duo played with each other at Blue Springs for two seasons. Caldarella hit Olah on a crossing route for 33 yards against a Liberty North defense that only gave up 71 yards on 30 plays to both teams. Olah caught the second TD pass when Caldarella floated a perfect pass over the middle against the Lee’s Summit defense. Olah beat his defender by two steps and went on a 70-yard catch-and-run. “That dude is one of the best quarterbacks I have seen,” Grain Valley senior running back Ty Williams said. “He’s a dog. He’s knows how to sling the ball. He has a high football IQ.” Olah finished his day with two catches for 103 yards and a score. He nearly had another TD on a laser from Caldarella during a red zone drive against Liberty North, but the pass bounced off his hands and fell incomplete. Overall, Olah said he was pleased with the way he played and said he has a special connection with Caldarella. “We knew we have a good connection and chemistry,” Olah said. “We know what we need to do each play.” Olah also has a friendly competition going on with Williams. “Me and Ty are wrestling for the fastest guy on the field.” Olah said. “He thinks he got me, he’s got to keep chasing me.” Caldarella also had two touchdowns on red zone drives against the Tigers. He hit wide receiver Aaron Barr for a 12-yard TD pass and connected on a 10-yard scoring pass to tight end Peyton Woodrome. Both TD passes were caught just inside the right boundary line. Williams also had himself a day as he ran the ball six times for 97 yards and two scores. Both of his TDs came against Lee’s Summit – one on a red zone possession and one on a drive from Grain Valley’s 30. Williams ripped off a 70-yard scoring run when he found some running room to the right, then cut back to his left and found a ton of room to outrun Lee’s Summit’s defenders. The other score was 20 yards in which he found a lot of room up the middle and barely got touched on his way to the end zone. “Last year, I got my first varsity reps in the jamboree,” Williams said. “This time, I felt comfortable today and went out there and did my thing. I ran the ball and ran hard.” Added Allie: “Ty is big and when he gets into the open field, he can truck.” On the defensive side, Grain Valley was shorthanded. Starting linebacker Brody Baker is out for the season with an ACL injury. Starting safeties Gabe Storment and Anthony Greco also were out with injuries. The Eagles just gave up one first down against Lee’s Summit on the drives from the 30, but Liberty North made it to Grain Valley’s 16-yard line in eight plays and had a 28-yard TD run called back on an illegal procedure penalty. On the red zone possessions, Grain Valley gave up two scores to Lee’s Summit and one to Liberty North – all on passing plays. “We got to get some new guys some reps and that will pay off later in the season,” Allie said. “We have some things we have to do better on both sides. But we put together a good effort." “DJ Harris even filled in at linebacker for us. He showed out. He’s playing both sides.” Grain Valley will host Fort Osage at 7 p.m. next Friday in their season opener. Grain Valley quarterback Sal Caldarella rifles a pass to Aaron Barr during Friday's preseason jamboree at Lee's Summit High School. Photo credit: Michael Smith Grain Valley tight end Eli Monrian, right, tries to get around a Liberty North defender.
Photo credit: Michael Smith by Michael Smith The offense could be a big part of any success the Grain Valley football team has this season. It will certainly help the Eagles cause that they bring back four out of five starters from a 2022 team that finished 9-3 and made it to the Class 5 state quarterfinals. Those returning to pave the way for the Grain Valley offense are seniors Blake Robinson, Stylz Blackmon, Luke Arndorfer, and junior Corbyn Goodwin. That group helped the Eagles offense rush for 2,756 yards and pass for 1,116 last season, and help the team bring stability for a new quarterback in senior Sal Calderella. “They have that experience in knowing what each other are going to do,” Grain Valley head coach David Allie said. “They played for us all last season together so they have that camaraderie.” In recent years, Grain Valley has not had a lot of size on the offensive line and this season will be the same. However, that has not prevented the Eagles from finding success on offense as the offensive line finds ways to create holes and protect the quarterback. Part of the reason that unit has been able to do that is their technique and executing the blocking schemes at a high level. “We’re going to be pretty good this year,” Robinson said. “The biggest thing for us will be communication because we have a new quarterback this year.” “We’re very smart and our footwork is very good. We all have around a 3.5 (grade-point average).” Blackmon will move from guard to tackle as he will take the spot of Grain Valley’s lone graduate from the offensive line – Beckett Disco. “Tackle is probably his more natural position for as tall as he is,” Allie said of the 6-foot-4, 253-pound Blackmon. “He’s going to solidify that right tackle position for us.” Blackmon is attracting the attention of college coaches as he’s already received offers from programs like Sioux Falls, Air Force, Northwest Missouri State, Augustana, MidAmerica Nazarene and Southeast Missouri State. Blackmon participated in the KC Varsity Combine this summer and turned some heads as he could end up fielding more offers from college teams. According to an article on 247sports.com, written by Ryan Wallace: “Blackmon ended up walking away as the combine’s King of the Hill championship as the top lineman. Every player who earned that honor at the combine went on to sign with an NCAA FBS Division I program. Standing 6-foot-3, 254 pounds, Blackmon appears (and plays) even bigger thanks to an 81.25-inch wingspan. Not overly explosive or strong for his size, what the Missouri native does bring is strength in the fundamentals and mobility, seen by a 1.84 split at 10-yards in his 40-yard dash. Blackmon is a positional project, yes, but with a frame capable of holding significantly more weight, he could be worth the long-term payoff.” Blackmon added that those camps helped him become a better player. “The coaches at the camps helped me correct my footwork,” he said. “I was able to go against some impressive D lineman in the area. The coaches challenged me and helped me get better. That was the best part of it.” Goodwin will be next to Blackmon on the right side as the guard as he will be in his second season as a starter. At 6-foot and 260 pounds, he brings some size. And he’s not only big, he’s athletic, too, Allie said. “He’s an aggressive, explosive, powerful young man,” Allie said. “He’s one of our best athletes. He can actually throw the football 70 yards. He could play defensive line if we needed him to. He’s that good of an athlete.” Robinson returns to man the center position for the Eagles. At 6-foot and 270 pounds, Robinson is one of the bigger linemen. In 2022, he was a steadying presence for the team and was a leader on the field. “Having a senior center like Blake Robinson helps,” Allie said. “He’s a fantastic kid. He’s a big kid. Last year, you can count on one finger on how many times he had a bad snap.” “He solidifies that middle and he can talk and communicate with the guys to make sure everyone knows where they are going.” Arndorfer started out as a linebacker and tight end but converted to an offensive lineman in 2022 because the Eagles were in need of a tackle. Blackmon said that the starting left tackle at the time was having issues so that’s when Arndorfer was asked by the coaching staff to step in. “One of the coaches put their hand on my shoulder and said, ‘This is your new partner and it was Luke. I am like, ‘Let’s get it done.’ We helped each other get better. It was really cool to see how quickly he picked it up.” He is not the size of a typical offensive lineman at 5-foot-11, 205 pounds, but he still held his own. “He’s a very heady player,” Allie said. “What he lacks in size he makes up for with his technical ability.” Logan Bennett is the one newcomer to the offensive line as he will step in at left guard. Allie compared him to Goodwin. He said Bennett is not a prototypical size for a lineman but he can pull, he can move, and he’s aggressive. With so much experience coming back for this core, the Eagles offensive line has a big goal in mind. “Stylz and I have been talking about breaking the school rushing record,” Robinson said. “That’s something we are going to work on this year.” Added Allie: “If there was any group that could do it, my money would be on this group.” Stylz Blackmon, right, will move from left guard to right tackle and is one of four returning starters for the Grain Valley football team's offensive line. GRAIN VALLEY NEWS FILE PHOTO
by Michael Smith It wasn’t that long ago when the Grain Valley volleyball team was one of the top teams in Missouri. During the 2020 season, the Eagles had a 21-10-3 record and won the Class 4 District 13 Tournament and went on to make the quarterfinals before falling to Platte County. In 2021, they went 24-5-2 before losing to Blue Springs South in the district tournament. Last season was an up and down season for Grain Valley as it went 15-16 and fell to St. Michael The Archangel Catholic in the semifinals of the district tournament. This season, with eight seniors on the team and multiple players returning with varsity experience, the Eagles hope to revisit what they did in 2020 and win a district title. “We have a lot of returners, which makes for an older experienced team,” Grain Valley head coach Tori Squiers said. “I think that sets us up pretty well. We have the talent on the team to have a pretty successful post season.” They will have to try and do that without one of their best players from last season, outside hitter Adelyn Bybee. She totaled 217 kills, 36 blocks and 158 digs. That is a lot of production to replace, but the Eagles bring back two players with varsity experience on the outside -- Kayla Gallagher and Izabella West. Gallagher is a team captain and is a player that could lead the Eagles in kills this season. West is someone who got some playing time in 2022 and can “jump out of gym,” according to Squiers. “Kayla Gallagher was a six-rotational player for us last season,” Squiers said. “Izabella was a state track athlete in the long jump. She’s very athletic and is a great kid. She will probably be earning a six-rotational position this season. “Kayla has an amazing arm swing and she’s very smart with the ball. She can see the other side of the court and place it very well. She can also hit around blocks. She’s a player we don’t want to take off the court.” Added West: “I think we are going to be very strong offensively this year. We have a lot of good hitters.” Assisting West and Gallagher at the net is senior Megan Davies, who will return as the team’s starting middle hitter. This is her third season as a starter. “She continues to get faster,” Squiers said of Davies. “She continues to get more blocks. She’s a stud up there.” In 2022, Allison Koepkey was the only setter on a team that ran a 5-1 offense. She returns this season as the team’s primary setter once again, but she will have some help. Squiers said her team will run a 6-2 this season, which means there will be two setters on the court instead of one. Seniors Olivia Dickson and Brooklynn Slater will assist Koepkey in setting up the hitters at the net for kills. “They are strong athletes, as well,” Squiers said of Dickson and Slater. “It’s very competitive here at Grain Valley, and that’s a great thing to have.” Senior Haylie Jennings is another important piece to the Eagles as she returns as the team’s libero. She is a team captain and a strong leader, Squiers said. “We have a very strong defensive team,” Jennings said. “We are very scrappy at times and we have some good hustlers. We have a lot of players that will go all out for balls about to hit the floor.” With so many returning players, the Eagles plan to run a quick set, fast-paced style offense. Squiers said that having two setters allows for more attackers to get chances for kills at the net. If Grain Valley can run that style of offense effectively, the Eagles could see themselves as district champions once again. That’s the goal the players have set for themselves along with winning the Suburban White Conference championship. “I think we can do better than we did last year,” Koepkey said. “We have been able to play St. Michael close in summer league. That’s our biggest competition in districts.” Added Gallagher: “I want to win districts so bad. I think we can do it.” Senior Isabella West is expected to be a six-rotational player for the Grain Valley volleyball this season as an outside guest. Photo credit: Michael Smith Senior Haylie Jennings will return as a team captain and starting libero for the Eagles. Photo credit: Michael Smith Senior Allison Koepkey will be a returning starting setter for Grain Valley. Photo credit: Michael Smith
by Michael Smith The Grain Valley football program will reach a milestone in 2023. The Eagles are entering their 100-year anniversary in 2023, and they celebrated at Iron Kettle Brewing Saturday. A who’s who of Grain Valley football coaches and players gathered and caught up with each other and reminisced about their time together. “That’s crazy. It’s something that some people take for granted,” 2018 graduate and former quarterback Tate Collum said of the 100 year anniversary. “It’s a great thing to be a part of Grain Valley High School. You make so many friendships.” Among those in attendance were current head coach David Allie and former head coach Forrest Rovello, who retired following the 2012 season after 18 years as the head coach. “Everyone here has a connection playing football,” Allie said. “This is an opportunity for everyone to come together and talk with those who went to the same high school. We are like family. It’s a great experience.” Allie keeps in regular contact with some of his former players and it’s apparent he has a special connection with them. Allie was shaking hands and hugging multiple former players at the event. Not only that, but he has some of them come to practices to give speeches to the current team. “Once you are a part of our family, you’re always a part of it,” Allie said. “We’ve been blessed to have former players come back and share their experiences with the kids. We try to put them on the spot and we want them to speak from the heart. We hope their experience transfers to the next generation.” One of those players is former linebacker Kole Waggoner, a 2017 graduate who went on to play for William Jewell College, spoke with the 2023 football team during the winter. He is getting his doctorate in clinical psychology at Kansas University. Waggoner spoke to the current players about sports psychology and about developing as a leader. “They let me come back for 10 weeks and lecture to a select group of guys,” Waggoner said. “I wanted to help them be better individuals and better leaders. That was a huge honor to be able to do that still continue some part of the legacy for Grain Valley.” In addition to speaking with the current generation of Eagle athletes, at the 100-year celebration, Waggoner said he enjoyed conversing with some teammates that he hasn’t seen in a while. He said it was special to see the large number of former players and coaches. “I love seeing everyone, and it just shows you the legacy of Grain Valley football when you see so many people here,” Waggoner said, “seeing and hearing the stories from everyone is inspiring. You’re not just a part of a program for four years, you are still a part of a family.” “It’s much more than it being about football.” Collum had similar sentiments about the celebration. He said that he had seen two of his former teammates before the gathering, but said he enjoyed seeing those that he hasn’t spoken to in years. “I walked in here saw them, and there were some names I didn’t even remember,” Collum said. “I gave them a high five and a hug.” “I even saw some guys that mentored me when I was in middle school. Ryan Nace, he was a running back when he played. I was at a middle school camp and he was the leader of my group. I ran into him and it was like, ‘Wow!’ You were in high school when I was in eighth grade.’” Rovello, who has been retired for a decade, enjoyed his time at the celebration, as well. He actually has a connection with Allie, his successor. Allie was on the staff for the Greater Kansas City Coaches Association All-Star Game when he was an assistant at Warrensburg in 1997. Rovello was the head coach with Team Missouri at the time. “We would run into each other at track meets and that sort of stuff,” Rovello said. “I was really happy when he got the job here. I knew he would do an excellent job.” “In the last 30 years, Coach Allie and I have coached 27 of them. That shows continuity in the program. Grain Valley is in as good of a position because of what he has done.” And Rovello was a big part of turning around the program. In his first year as head coach in 1993, he took over an Eagles squad that was winless the previous season. He led the Eagles to their deepest playoff run in 2002 when they made it to the state semifinals. “I had kids in my first class ask me if I was the new football coach,” Rovello said. “I said, ‘Yes.’ Then they said, ‘Why?’ They were 0-18 when I got them and there was only one way to go. David has kept the train on the track. Grain Valley football is still exciting.” And on Saturday, he got to reunite with some of those players that helped him put Grain Valley football back on the map. “It’s been a lot of years and everyone moves on,” Rovello said. “It’s always good to see old players. A lot of these guys have gone on to coach, which I am excited about. If nothing else, these guys learned to love the game.” From left, former players Hunter Ramirez and Luke Hamontree, assisant coach Ryan Adams and head coach David Allie were among those in attendance at the Grain Valley football programs 100-year anniversary celebration Saturday at Iron Kettle Brewing. Photo credit: Michael Smith Multiple former players and coaches gathered at Iron Kettle Brewing Saturday to celebrate the Grain Valley football program's 100-year anniversary. Photo credit: Michael Smith
by Cole Arndorfer
The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met briefly Monday, August 14th for their regularly scheduled meeting at City Hall. reviewing a liquor license request, two items for public hearing, three resolutions, and the first readings of five ordinances. Valley Moments, a business taking over the current Iron Courtyard space downtown is seeking a liquor license. The business is looking to use the space as an event venue for graduations, baby showers, birthday parties, wedding receptions, and other events. The business applied for a by the drink and a Sunday sales license. The board had no questions for the business and the item will be brought back to the next meeting for review. Next, the board held public hearings on two items. The first was the vacations of the Northwest Jefferson Court cul-de-sac right of way. The second item was over amending chapter 415 of the Flood Hazard Prevention code and to adopt a new countywide flood insurance study. No members of the public stepped forward to comment on either of these items and the public hearing was closed. After closing the public hearing, the board moved onto the resolutions portion of the meeting. The board discussed a resolution introduced by Alderman Mills to install six new street lights on South Outer Road. The resolution was unanimously passed. The second resolution discussed was brought by Alderman Skinner to allow the city to enter an agreement with Heartland Traffic Services, Inc. to complete pavement markings. Heartland would be responsible for the pavement markings on Ryan Road from Buckner Tarsney to Minter. This would also include two cross walk markings at the entrance to South Middle School and another at Duncan Road and Nicholas. After confirming that the repavement project on Ryan Road was complete, the board unanimously approved the resolution. The final resolution discussed was to allow for the purchase of a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado crew cab truck to be used by the police department. City Administrator Ken Murphy said the city was contacted by a dealership that had a customer back out of a deal for the truck and that this truck would be used as a replacement for one of the department’s older vehicles. The city has budgeted money in place to purchase replacements for two Explorers being used as patrol vehicles; however, those vehicles are extremely hard to purchase right now, and it would not be until next budget year that the city could purchase those. After discussion, the board unanimously approved this resolution. Under ordinances, the Board first approved the first reading of an ordinance to allow the city to enter an agreement for streetlights with the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission for the six streetlights along South Outer Road. This passed 6-0. The second bill related to the first item on public hearing, creating an ordinance vacating the cul-de-sac on the East and West side of Northwest Jefferson Court. This item will be brought back for the next meeting by title only. The third bill related to the other public hearing item, amending chapter 415 of the Code of Ordinances relating to Flood Hazard Prevention. This item will be brought back by title only at the next meeting. Fourth, the board discussed a bill to create an ordinance that outlines the procedure for disclosing potential conflicts of interest and substantial interests for certain officials. Murphy said that this is something the board has to do to stay in compliance with the Missouri Ethics Commission and he does not believe that anything has changed since the last time it was discussed. This will be brought back by title only at the next meeting. The final bill would add Chapter 255, Article I, Section 255.010 to the City Code in order to allow bow hunting for deer within city limits. This was an item that the board started looking at about a month and a half ago, Murphy said. It would allow residents to bow hunt for deer on ten acres of property or more. He also said that the city utilized a legal team and looked at what some other cities in the area have done related to this in order to put together this bill. Alderman Arnold brought up concerns over the higher-powered crossbows being used, hunters shooting at deer along their property boundaries that may cause problems, as well as that the city has not done a study on the deer population in the area to see if that is a problem. The first read of this bill passed 5-1 and will be brought back to the next meeting. Following ordinances was City Staff reports. Police Chief Ed Turner noted that the department will be having their Cakes, Cops, and Conversations event at Armstrong Park from 8 am to 11 am on August 26. “This will be a great opportunity for us to engage the community,” Turner said. All are welcome to come out for all-you-can-eat pancakes provided by Chris Cakes. Parks & Recreation Director Shannon Davies provided updates for the fall baseball and softball program put on by the department. The late registration period ends this week, and games will start the week after the fair running through mid-late October depending on the weather. Davies also noted that this is the last week the pool is open weekdays and after this week it will be open on the weekends through Labor Day. In Mayor Todd’s report, he acknowledged the end of First Fridays for the year and noted how successful the events were this year. He said that they are looking at some possible changes that they could make for next year in order to get some more businesses involved. The next Board of Aldermen Meeting will be held at City Hall on August 28 at 7:00pm. MoDOT crews will close Buckner Tarsney near the I-70 bridge from 5 a.m. Saturday, August 19th to 5 p.m. Sunday, August 20th. This closure will allow crews to set bridge girders. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and seek alternate routes if necessary. Detours will be directed to I-70 and Adams Dairy and the Oak Grove Interchange. All work is weather permitting. In other I-70 news, Governor Mike Parson visited local city officials Tuesday to ceremonially sign HB 4 - celebrating the planned expansion of I-70 from Blue Springs to Wentzville. City Administrator Ken Murphy; Deputy City Administrator Theresa Osenbaugh; and Alderman Darren Mills attended the bill signing, held near I-70 at Oak Grove. Governor Mike Parson visited local city officials Tuesday to ceremonially sign HB 4 - celebrating the planned expansion of I-70 from Blue Springs to Wentzville. From left: Alderman Darren Mills; Deputy City Administrator Theresa Osenbaugh; City Administrator, Ken Murphy attended the bill signing. Photo credit: City of Grain Valley
by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society
It takes me a minute to enter gifts to the Historical Society into the accession book. That’s because my curiosity about the items slows me down. I’m still looking at the books we received a few weeks ago. Sometimes they are informative and sometimes they are just good for a laugh. Such is the case with The Household Searchlight Homemaking Guide. Published in 1937, the book deals “…in an intelligible and usable way with a wide range of homemaking problems including etiquette, weddings, menus, cooking, health and beauty, home furnishings and equipment, dyeing, stain removal, insect extermination, the care of the lawn, entertainment, club activities, and the mental health of children.” Quite a wide variety of topics! According to the book’s foreword it is the product of uncounted years of experience on the part of the staff, and of five years of intensive investigation, testing and writing. The book includes so many topics because “…the American family does not live by bread alone; that beauty, dignity, emotional adjustment within the family, and wholesome interest in community affairs are integral ingredients of a satisfying home life.” (Keep in mind, the book was written over 85 years-ago.) These qualities must have been important to Ruby McQuerry (Mrs. Elmer Duncan) as what appears to have been a well-read book ended up with her great niece. We believe it was hers because a recipe, handwritten by her, was found among the pages. What I’m about to share is from the entertainment chapter which begins with this message. “Successful parties depend on suitable and original entertainment. The games must be chosen to interest the age group, and they must be appropriate to the type of party being given.” The instructions were to give guests this list of flowers and ask them to fill in the correct names which I have provided in parenthesis.
I can’t help but wonder if there is an age group alive that would enjoy this game today! Does anyone still play games? Perhaps someone who was around in 1937? In the weeks to come I may offer you more advise from The Household Searchlight Homemaking Guide. Meanwhile, drop by the Grain Valley Historical any Wednesday between 9 AM and 3 PM and check out this and other historical books. Governor Mike Parson announced seven appointments to various boards and commissions on August 15th. Melissa Winston, of Grain Valley, was appointed to the State Committee of Marital and Family Therapists. Winston currently serves as owner and therapist at 510 Counseling Group. She previously served as chief operating officer and therapist at Shelterwood Academy and as the program director for Teen Challenge of Oklahoma. Winston serves as the director of community service for the Rotary Club of Blue Springs, secretary of the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce, and as an Advisory Board member of the University of Central Missouri Marriage and Family Therapy Program. She holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University. Deanna Bokel, of Weldon Spring, was appointed to the Board of Nursing Home Administrators. Bokel currently serves as director of corporate compliance for Stonebridge Senior Living. She previously served as a registered nurse in Acute Medicine at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Bokel is a licensed nursing home administrator and is board certified in gerontological nursing. She holds a degree in nursing from Barnes-Jewish School of Nursing. Jhan Hurn, of Joplin, was appointed to the Mental Health Commission. Hurn currently serves as president of the Joplin Sports Authority and as a board member of the Industrial Development Authority of the County of Jasper. He previously served as president and CEO of Jasper County Sheltered Facilities Association, also known as Community Support Services of Missouri, and as past president of the Joplin Daybreak Rotary Club. Hurn holds a Bachelor of Science in business and accounting from Missouri Southern State University. Judith Meyer, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Missouri Charter Public School Commission. Meyer is a retired educator and administrator who currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Christian Friends of New Americans organization. She previously served as chair of the Momentum Academy Board which was formerly known as EAGLE College Prep. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in geography and education from Concordia University, a Master of Science in geography from Southern Illinois University, and a Ph.D. in geography from the University of Chicago. Michelle Mincks, of Bolivar, was appointed to the Board of Nursing Home Administrators. Mincks currently serves as a business development consultant at Guardian Pharmacy of the Heartland and as co-administrator of Lakeshores Residential Care Facility. She serves as a member of the Board of Home Court Advantage and the Board of the Missouri Assisted Living Association. Mincks previously served as a board member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and sociology and a Master’s of Business Administration from Southwest Baptist University. Ruby Trice, of Maryland Heights, was appointed to the Behavioral Analyst Advisory Board. Trice currently serves as chief of staff for the Future Experience Office of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and as a member of the Maryland Heights Planning and Zoning Commission. Trice holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in human resource management from Iowa State University and a Master of Business Administration and Doctorate of management in organizational leadership from Webster University. Libby Youse, of Shelbina, was appointed to the Board of Nursing Home Administrators. Youse currently serves as a clinical instructor in long term care and as a leadership coach at the University of Missouri - Sinclair School of Nursing. She has been a licensed Nursing Home Administrator for twenty-five years and has served in the past as a board member of the Missouri Health Care Association. Youse is also a certified dementia practitioner and infection preventionist. She holds a Bachelor of general studies with emphasis in finance, business, and psychology from the University of Missouri – Columbia. |
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