On August 12th, 24 teams of golfers came to Adams Pointe Golf Club to participate in the annual GV Eagle Golf fundraiser.  The 20th annual event was originally started by then GVHS Activities Director Jeff Tebbenkamp and benefits the GV Education Foundation, Eagle Booster Club and the GVHS Activities department.
     This year's event was won by the team of Don Hawes, Jason Brown, Dave Newman and Brian Crumm with a score of 51.  The event also featured a hole-in-one by John Novak on the par 3 8th hole, who won a set of Callaway irons.
     Over $5,000 was raised by the event, and plans are already underway for the 21st annual to be held next fall.  Contact Jerry Vaughan, foundation director, at [email protected] if you would like to be a part of next year's tournament.

     Sticking to the budget is top of mind for many shoppers but can be challenging when planning family meals! This National Family Meals Month, with help from your Hy-Vee registered dietitian team, we hope to show you how shopping with health in mind does not have to break the bank. Skip the fast food and eat healthier to stick to your budget and health goals as a whole family!
     Eating at home can be a healthier and less costly option when you follow these dietitian-approved tips:
 
1.MAKE MEAL PLANNING A PRIORITY: Planning meals in advance helps pinpoint the ingredients needed and makes shopping more efficient. Decide what you want to eat and buy just the ingredients called for in the recipes (after checking your pantry to make sure you don’t double up on ingredients you already have); that way you are not tempted to add in extra calories. Explore healthy recipes at Hy-Vee.com/recipes. The searchable database has hundreds of recipes listed according to category (appetizer, main dish, one dish, dessert, etc.). You also can search under special dietary considerations such as vegan, vegetarian, low-carb and diabetes-friendly.

2.GROCERY SHOPPING: Use Hy-Vee’s grocery delivery or pick-up to stop impulse buys and stick to your grocery list. You can ensure you are getting just what you need and sticking to your budget!

3.SHOP IN SEASON: Fresh fruits and veggies that are in season often taste better and are a cost-effective way to get more plants into your diet! Enjoy these while they are readily available and then switch to frozen in their off-season or canned unsweetened fruit and no-salt-added canned vegetables. Canned and frozen options are nutritiously dense, budget-friendly and perfect for keeping your pantry/freezer stocked with better-for-you sides and snacks!

4.SHOP HY-VEE’S EXCLUSIVE VALUE BRAND That’s Smart! Stock your pantry with Hy-Vee’s exclusive value brand and save an average of 15-20% over national name brands! Using Hy-Vee’s That’s Smart! for pantry staples, canned goods, frozen items dairy and snacks is a great way to cook with quality ingredients without spending a fortune!

5.FOCUS ON NUTRIENT-RICH FOODS: Stock up on foods that offer a nutritional punch without knocking out your budget. Eggs, oatmeal, beans, brown rice, nonfat Greek yogurt, whole-wheat bread and multigrain pasta are just some examples of inexpensive, nutrient-dense foods you can plan satisfying meals around.
 
     Enjoy these That’s Smart! Chicken Enchiladas — a delicious, family-friendly dinner option that is easy on the wallet!
 
That’s Smart! Chicken Enchiladas
 
All you need:
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 (15.5-oz) jar That’s Smart! mild salsa
1 (8-oz) pkg That’s Smart! cream cheese, cubed
1 tbsp That’s Smart! chili powder
1 (15-oz) can Hy-Vee no-salt-added black beans
1 cup That’s Smart! shredded imitation Cheddar cheese
8 Hy-Vee fajita-size whole-wheat tortillas
1 (10-oz) can Hy-Vee red enchilada sauce
Desired toppings such as light sour cream or cilantro
 
All you do:
1)Spray a 4-to-6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray. Add chicken, salsa and cream cheese to slow cooker; sprinkle with chili powder. Cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5 hours, stirring occasionally.
2)Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred using two forks. Place chicken back in the slow cooker for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
3)Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Add 1/3 cup shredded chicken filling to each tortilla. Top with 1 tablespoon shredded imitation Cheddar cheese. Wrap tightly and place seam-side-down in prepared dish. Cover with red enchilada sauce and wrap tightly with foil. Bake 20 minutes or until heated through (165 degrees).
 
Tip: Make these enchiladas ahead of time and freeze until you're ready to serve! Make enchiladas and place in prepared 9x13-inch baking pan. Cover with enchilada sauce and wrap tightly with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until heated through (165 degrees).

4)Serve topped with desired toppers such as sour cream, additional cheese and/or cilantro.
 
Recipe source: https://www.hy-vee.com/recipes-ideas/recipes/thats-smart-chicken-enchiladas
 
     Sign up for our On Demand Eating Better on a Budget Virtual Store Tour by visiting https://www.hy-vee.com/health/hy-vee-dietitians/default.aspx. Or reach out to your local Hy-Vee dietitian for more expert budget-friendly health tips!
 
The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.

     Magical things happen when a group of dedicated nonprofits come together to address an issue like underemployment in our Eastern Jackson County communities. Last year, nearly 100 people improved their economic status by completing an in-demand certification program through the Truman Heartland Community Foundation Job Skills for New Careers initiative. Our strong partners in this initiative are crucial to its success. Community Services League is our lead partner in this work. 
     Building on their Bridges to Careers program, we have also engaged as partners the University of Central Missouri, Mid-Continent Public Library, and Kansas City Scholars. The EDCs of Independence and Lee’s Summit also support our work and provide employer connections.
     Our committed team of collaborative partners offers a uniquely personalized approach to adult education, helping adult learners develop competitive employment skills and overcome barriers to success. With their desire to create better lives for themselves and their families and quality training and exceptional wrap-around support, nearly 80 percent of last year’s Job Skills for New Careers graduates have remained employed in their field of study.
     Cost is often the #1 barrier for adults to get industry-recognized training, certifications, and higher education. Tuition costs can be more than $3,000, depending on the course of study. But building one’s personal assets through training is also the #1 way to get ahead and build personal wealth and savings. Tuition assistance was made available by KC Scholars, while the University of Central Missouri, Metropolitan Community Colleges, and other providers offer high-quality, industry-recognized education. Job Skills for New Careers provides adult students an affordable way to open doors to new and exciting career options.
     In 2022, 38 generous THCF fundholders made grants from their Donor Advised Fund at the foundation to our Job Skills for New Careers Initiative so we can provide more than $200,000 to Community Services League for both tuition payments and wrap-around services. When you are living paycheck to paycheck, it’s a challenge to put life on hold to acquire additional skills when you are trying to keep your family housed and fed.
     Wrap-around services provided by CSL include things like a gas card, auto repair, a rent or utility payment, or training supplies. They also include employment and financial coaching and a personal career assessment. The goal is to work with each person’s unique situation and remove barriers to successfully completing the training. THCF support made possible by our fundholders is by design flexible and not restricted to any one aspect of the program. And because the personal support doesn’t end with graduation, our Job Skills students have a better chance of remaining employed in their chosen field.
     Job Skills for New Careers offers professional certifications in Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Medical Coding and Billing, Phlebotomy, Warehouse Materials Handling, Forklift Operations, and Welding. The key to the program is to offer coursework in areas of high demand, stackable certifications so people can continue to improve their skills, and a living wage of at least $16 an hour to start. The idea is to help people get into good-paying jobs that will create a more financially stable future for themselves and their families.
     A recent graduate of the program, LaToya Surry, shared with us “All my life growing up, I watched my mom work as a phlebotomist, and I always dreamed of becoming one too. I didn’t have the funds … and my life has had a lot of bumps in the road. But now, at the age of 41, I’m ready to make my dreams come true … I want to show my children that you’re never too old to go back to school and follow your dreams. Now that I am a Phlebotomist, I got a job working at Community Blood Center; I make much more than I ever have in a warehouse job”. LaToya’s story is familiar among the Job Skills grads—they dream of something more for themselves and their family, and Job Skills for New Careers helps them turn their dreams into reality.
      I would be happy to share more about what we are accomplishing if you want to reach out to me at [email protected]. If you are an employer or employment partner, please reach out to Adam Kisler, Vice-President of Career Services at Community Services League ([email protected]). You can also visit www.cslcares.org/newskills for more information, to register for services, or to see when the next classes start.   

The following information is derived from Grain Valley Police Department daily calls service log for the week of September 14-19, 2022.
​
September 14, 2022
1600 Block NE Jaclyn Dr
Agency Assist - Investigation

1200 Block SW Indian Creek Ct
Harassment

1200 Block of NW Ashley LN
Assault

Whitney & Rust
Suspicious Persons

700 Block of Meadowood DR
Stealing From Motor Vehicle X 2

700 Block of Main
Citizen Contact

800 Block of Country Hill DR
Area Check-Suspicious Person

400 Block of Nelson
Area Check-Suspicious Activity

800 Block of Country Hill DR
Attempted Theft

Cross Creek Trail
Verbal Disturbance

1200 Block of NW Ashley DR
Stolen Auto

500 Block of NW Hickory Ridge CT
Suspicious Persons

1100 Block of NW Valley Ridge DR
Citizen Contact-Ordinance Question

1700 Block of NW Hilltop CT
Stealing 

700 Block of Main
Walk In - Harassment

1100 Block of Seymour
Stealing

 
September 15, 2022
1200 Block of NW Pecan
Agency Assist - DFS

700 Block of Ridgeview
Area Check for Wrecked Vehicle

600 Block of Walnut
Area Check for Fire

Stoneybrooke & Sni-A-Bar
Area Check

1600 Block of NE Crumley ST
Alarm

800 Block of SW Ryan RD
Suspicious Person

1400 Block of NE Mary CT
Parking Complaint

700 Block of Main
Civil Standby

1100 Block of NW Sycamore DR
Area Check - Solicitor

 
September 16, 2022
100 Block Main St
Trespass

700 Block SW Crestview Terr
ID Theft

100 Block Main St
Harassment

PHQ
Citizen Contact

600 Block NW Jefferson St
Alarm

600 Block SW Shorthorn Dr
ID Theft

1400 Block NW Golfview Dr
Found Property

PHQ
VIN Verification

1100 Block S Buckner Tarsney Rd
Suspicious Activity

400 Block SW Foothill Dr
Disturbance

PHQ
Citizen Contact

1300 Block SW Blue Branch Dr
Open Door

800 Block SW Montana Ridge Dr
Attempt to Contact

100 Block Rock Creek Dr
Suspicious Person

700 Block Main St
Shoplifting

 
September 17, 2022
500 Block James Rollo Dr
Civil Standby

PHQ
Civil Standby

1800 Block NW Hilltop Ln
Suspicious Activity

PHQ
Animal Impound

1200 Block NW Golfview Dr
Agency Assist - CJC - Structure Fire

PHQ
Warrant Confirmation

700 Block Main St
Physical Disturbance

500 Block SW Eagles Pkwy
Disturbance

200 Block RD Mize Rd
Property Transfer

600 Block Buckner Tarsney Rd
Citizen Assist

US 40 Hwy / Legion
Agency Assist - BSPD

700 Block W Broadway St
Suspicious Activity

600 Block Main St
Suspicious Activity

 
September 18, 2022
1700 Block S Buckner Tarsney Rd
Check the Wellbeing

PHQ
Citizen Contact

700 Block NW Scenic Ln
Check the Wellbeing

600 Block NW Walnut St
Alarm

EB I-70 / Leftholz
Agency Assist - Highway Patrol

1200 Block S Buckner Tarsney
Agency Assist - EMS

600 Block Main St
Suspicious Activity

 
September 19, 2022
PHQ
Citizen Contact

500 Block NW Willow Dr
Disturbance

NW Eagle Ridge Dr / NW Hilltop Ln
Civil Matter / Citizen Contact

600 Block NW Yennie St
Suspicious Activity

 
Additional calls for service:
Suicidal Subject          1
Domestic Violence     3
 

     ​Community Blood Center (CBC) is the primary provider of blood and blood components to 70 plus hospitals and medical centers in the Greater Kansas City region. CBC will conduct a life-saving blood drive on Friday, September 23rd at Grain Valley High School. 
     “When individuals normally think of essential community services, they often think about fire and police departments.” Patsy Shipley, Executive Director of Community Blood Center said. “Community Blood Center and its donors are very similar to police officers and fire fighters. We make up a life-saving team that is here to meet the needs of local patients. Our volunteer donors roll up their sleeves and do so without hesitation.”
     Grain Valley individuals can help by donating blood at the blood drive on Friday, September 23rd from 7:30am to 12:30pm. The drive will be held at Grain Valley High School, 551 SW Eagles Parkway. Donors are encouraged to make an appointment by visiting savealifenow.org/group and using Group Code: KCR8. For additional details, contact Dawn Eblen at (816) 352-2342.
     In the Greater Kansas City area, one in three people will need blood at some point in their life and nearly one in seven hospital admissions requires a blood transfusion. This means, nearly 600 donations are needed every day to meet hospital demand, and with a limited shelf life, supplies must be continually replenished.  
     For more information regarding our donor centers and mobile blood drives or how to set up your own drive, visit www.savealifenow.org or call 1-877-468-6844.

by Michael Smith

​ 
     The Grain Valley softball team has a stiff challenge.
     The Eagles faced off against Blue Springs, a team that has had a strong softball program for many years.
     They had plenty of opportunities to score, but only managed to push across three runs in a 7-3 loss to the Wildcats Monday at home.
     Grain Valley (14-5) stranded nine runners on base, including five in the first two scoreless innings.
     “We had some opportunities we didn’t take advantage of,” Grain Valley head coach Garrett Ogle said. “I thought that we hit well and pitched well. We just had opportunities that didn’t go our way.”
     Blue Springs took advantage by scoring one run in the first inning on an error and Brooklyn Saysoff drove in Cejai Hollins on an RBI single in the third to make it 2-0. Grain Valley countered with a run in the bottom of the third when Salome’ Haley reached on an infield single, Olivia Slaughter doubled to left center field to put runners on second and third and Crysta Hernandez used a squeeze bunt to push across a run.
     That’s all the Eagles would get as they went into the fourth down 2-1. The Wildcats (12-5) tacked onto the lead in the top of the fourth when Rien Moore singled and reached third on a two-base error by the Eagles on the same play, and then scored on an RBI bloop single by Kendall Miller, making it 3-1.
     In the fifth, Blue Springs blew the game open against Grain Valley starting pitcher Hailey Hemme. Sayoff drilled a bases-clearing double to left-center field in the fifth to make it 6-1 and Makenna Delany made it 7-1 in the sixth with an RBI single.
     The Eagles didn’t go down without a fight though as they loaded the bases in the sixth. First baseman Ella Clyman drove in two runs on a sharp single up the middle to make it 7-3, however, the next batter flew out to end the threat as the team managed just three runs against Moore.
     Hemme was the losing pitcher as she tossed seven innings and allowed seven runs (six earned), walked six and struck out seven.
     “Hailey pitched great,” Ogle said. “She threw strikes and she gave us a good opportunity to be in the ball game.”
     Camryn Bown led the Eagles’ hitters by going 3-for-3 at the dish.

by Michael Smith
 
​
     The Grain Valley football team was missing a key piece of its offense.
     Going into Friday’s home game against Platte County, sophomore DJ Harris, who had the most varsity experience among its three running backs, was out with a lower body injury.
     Even without the talented ball carrier, the Eagles were able to put together their most completed offensive performance of the season as they rushed for 356 yards as a team during a 24-14 victory against Suburban White Conference rival Platte County.
     Three Grain Valley players rushed for more than 100 yards, led by quarterback Caleb Larson, who had 137 yards on 21 carries. Senior running back Christian Lanear added 117 yards on 10 totes and junior Ty Williams had 108 yards on 11 carries and two scores.
     “We always talk about the three-headed monster we have back there,” Allie said. “When one goes down, the others pick up the slack. Offensively, this was our most productive game.”
     Williams' two touchdowns helped the Eagles (2-2) keep the lead throughout. He found a huge hole in the middle and ran 18 yards for a score to make it 7-0 with 2:48 left in the first period.
     After Platte County scored on a 60-yard scoring pass from ZImmerman to Brennan Rich midway through the second period, the Eagles and Williams responded. Williams scored on a 43-yard run to the right as he ran right through a Pirates defender and scampered 30-plus more yards into the end zone to make it 21-7.
     “When your adrenaline is going, you feel like you can run through a brick wall,” Williams said. “I didn’t realize I threw him until I saw the play on the TV. I watched it and thought, ‘Wow! OK!’
     “Our O line is the best in the state of Missouri. They are the greatest group of guys. I want to hang out with them all the time on the field and outside of school. None of these touchdowns and yards aren’t possible without them.”
     Added Grain Valley head coach David Allie: “We preach yards after contact. We try to break tackles and get north and south and get extra yards. He did that well tonight. He runs the ball hard. He’s a strong kid, if you don’t wrap him up, he’ll run through you.”
     Earlier in the season, Williams was primarily used as a third-down back, but has received more opportunities since Harris went down with an injury last week.
     “All the glory to God. None of this is possible without him,” Williams said. “I was just being a team player. I was doing what I needed to do. DJ got hurt and I needed to step up, and I said ‘Alright. Let’s go.’”
     The Grain Valley defense also stepped up with two turnovers and three stops of the Platte County offense in the red zone.
     Grain Valley senior safety Keagan Hart came up with two interceptions of Platte County quarterback Dylan Zimmerman, with the last one coming with under five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
     Platte County trailed 24-14 and had the ball on the Eagles 18. The Grain Valley senior safety was lined up against slot receiver Dawsen Mizell, who had several big third down catches and a fourth-down catch that eventually led to a touchdown earlier in the game.
     Hart said he knew Zimmerman would look to find Mizell and Hart stepped in front of him to intercept the ball at the 8-yard line and return it to the 20. The play sealed the game as the Eagles ran out the rest of the clock.
     “It was kind of easy to read it because you knew who the ball was going to,” Hart said of his second interception. “We just had to allow our defensive line to get to the quarterback and force the throw. The backers got hands on everybody and that allowed me time to get to him.
     “It was easier to stop them in the red zone because we knew they were a pass-heavy team. We just had to play man and get aggressive with them, which made them have to throw a little bit quicker.”
     Added Grain Valley head coach David Allie: “What a great play out in the flat! That was huge! The defense really did their job.”
     His second big interception came at the 10:19 mark in the second period. The Pirates once again had the ball in the red zone, but the Eagles front four got pressure on Zimmerman, causing him to rush his throw. He threw the ball right to Hart who returned the ball 85 yards for a touchdown to make it 14-0.
     The third red zone when Platte County had the ball at the Grain Valley 18 and on fourth-and-4 the Eagles defense forced a low throw by Zimmerman, which resulted in an incomplete pass and a turnover on downs.
     Grain Valley led 21-14 at halftime as Platte County scored on a 60-yard pass from Zimmerman to senior Wide receiver Brennan Rich and a 7-yard run from senior running back Nate Walls.
     Those would be the only two scores the Pirates had. Grain Valley put up the only points of the second half when senior place kicker Austin Schmitt broke his own school record by making a 48-yard field goal, the longest in school history.
     “We played well in all three phases of the game,” Allie said. “We outplayed them.”

     Grain Valley head volleyball coach Tori Squiers noted that the schedule would be much tougher for her Eagles in 2022.
     That is exactly the way she wants it.
     That’s because playing tougher opponents will help the team better prepare for the teams Grain Valley will face in the playoffs, Squiers said. The Eagles got a taste of that tougher competition Thursday against Blue Springs South.
     The Eagles played the Jaguars tough in three out of four sets, but fell  25-20, 25-11, 21-25 25-21.
     “I just told the girls that I am so proud because tonight was a huge transition for us,” Squiers said. “After the second set, typically from the last few games, we have been shutting down after a loss. The fact that we came back and won the third set was a huge deal.”
     South led for most of the first set. After Grain Valley took a 7-6 advantage, the Jaguars went on a 12-2 spurt to take a 18-9 lead. The Eagles stormed back behind the serving of junior setter Allison Koepkey and sophomore outside hitter Kayla Gallagher and narrowed the gap to 19-18 following a 9-1 run. A pair of blocks and a pair of kills helped South withstand the Grain Valley comeback as it took the first set 25-20.
     The Jaguars dominated the second set and led by as many as 12 points following back-to-back kills from Valentine and Krebs that made it 21-9. Five different South players got at least one kill in the set as it outscored Grain Valley 25-11.
     Even down two sets, the Eagles would not go away quietly. The combination of Gallagher and freshman Kyleigh Casey, who is listed on the junior varsity roster, totaled 11 kills in the set to help their team force a fourth set following a 25-21 victory. After South took a 1-0 lead, Grain Valley came back to lead 2-1 and never trailed for the rest of the set.
     “Kyleigh has brought a lot to the team and brings that young energy that is a lot of fun for the upperclassmen girls, too,” Squiers said. “It brings the fans in, as well.”
     “Kayla has made a huge transition being the sixth rotational player for the team. She is one of our captains. She was voted to be one by the team. She’s brought a lot to us with her playing ability and energy, as well.”
     After Grain Valley took a 2-0 lead, South ran away with it and went on a 15-6 run from there to make it 15-8. Grain Valley got as close as three points after a kill from Casey made it 19-16. South outscored Grain Valley 6-5 the rest of the way with Tunley closing the match out with a kill.
     “I am super pleased, we kept it close in every game with South, which is something we have not been able to do in the past,” Squiers said. “I think being able to play against a big school like that is a big deal.”
     Gallagher ended up having a strong performance for the 3-3 Eagles as she had a match-high 15 kills. Senior Adelyn Bybee added eight and chipped in with six.
 
 

​ 
      The Planning & Zoning Commission met September 14th, approving site plans for a new Culver’s restaurant on the north side of I-70, approving an amendment to change parking regulations to aid in the City’s plans to sell three parcels of land within the Downtown Overlay District, and struck down a zoning regulation amendment which would have required conformity in the fences along major collector and arterial streets.
     Following a public hearing and extended debate on the issue, the Commission voted down a proposed zoning regulation amendment which would have required six-foot privacy fencing on side and rear yards adjacent to designated collector and arterial streets in the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Craig Shelton was the lone ‘yes’ vote on the proposal.
     The second public hearing involved a recommendation to amend an ordinance to change the parking regulations in the Downtown Overlay District to allow an exception to an area south of Harris Street, allowing for parking between buildings and the street. The City currently owns three vacant parcels south of Harris Street and east of Main Street, and is looking at options to sell the parcels. The City requested the change in an effort to make the parcels more desirable for economic development in the area. Following the public hearing in which no resident voiced an opinion on the matter, the commission approved the change to the ordinance.
     The commission also approved site plans for a Culver’s restaurant to be located in the Mercado Plaza, located on the west side of Buckner Tarsney Road between Woodbury Drive and Jefferson Street. The restaurant will be located north of the Starbucks Coffee site currently under construction.
     Representatives for Culver’s reported to the commission that construction would begin in the fall, with an opening planned for late March or early April 2023.
     The next meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission will be held October 12, 2022 at 6:30pm.     

     Girl Scout Troop 1857 members Sophia Henderson, Morgan Peters, and Addy Doerman have completed their Bronze Award project, building a Little Free Pantry on the grounds of Faith United Methodist Church, 1950 SW Eagles Parkway, Grain Valley.
     Similar to Little Free Libraries, the Little Free Pantry provides an opportunity for anyone to stop by and take what they need or leave food or toiletry items for others. The pantry is stocked with a variety of canned and packaged food and snacks, and toiletry items.
     "We tried to make sure all of the canned goods are pop-tops, and there are lots of snack items for people who may not have can openers," Henderson said.
     The girls began the project in May, seeking advice from community leaders such as Mayor Mike Todd, and the volunteers at the Grain Valley Assistance Council. They spent months finalizing their design and working with their parents and grandparents to build and place the pantry at the site provided by Faith United Methodist Church. Doerman's grandmother and others helped provide the initial supply of food and toiletries for the pantry. 
     The girls raised money to pay for building supplies, and will take turns ensuring the pantry is stocked. They've also thought about how the project will be sustained after they have concluded their time with the project, perhaps passing it down to a younger troop who is working on their own Bronze Award.
      "When we get out of 8th grade, we could pass it on to a Brownie troop or a Daisy troop, and they can pick it up while they are working on their own Bronze award," Doerman explained. 
     Parent volunteer Felicia Bergan said Faith United Methodist Church has been a great partner in the process. When the group was looking for an ideal site for their pantry, Faith UMC was suggested as an ideal site given their location and community-based plans they have at their site.
     "So, I contacted Pastor Mike, and in 48 hours, he's like 'The whole church approved your plan, you're good.' They're looking at doing a lot of cool community stuff on their land, and this project fit well with their plans. He's (Pastor Mike Cassidy) just been phenomenal. He came out while we were building last weekend, checked on us, and praised the girls. The whole church has been awesome and has been a great partner with us."
     Donations of unused, unexpired food items and toiletries are welcome and may be left inside the pantry box, and anyone is welcome to take what they need. 
     The girls are already discussing ideas for their Silver Award projects, and may expand the pantry box concept to meet other community needs.
      "Girl Scouts are way more than just cookies," Peters said.
     

​     The City of Grain Valley is looking for public support regarding three 2025-2026 Transportation Project Grant applications submitted by City Engineer Dick Tuttle. Public comments must be submitted to the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) by Friday, September 23, 2022.
     According to Tuttle, the three grant applications cover work Eagles Parkway (Route AA) Road Improvements from Buckner Tarsney Road to Cross Creek Drive, a shared trail along SW Eagles Parkway from Buckner Tarsney Rd to Blue Branch  and a shared trail on South Buckner Tarsney. Project types range from recreational trails, roadway capacity, and non-motorized facilities and/or Safe Routes to School (SRTS) infrastructure.
     The project on Eagles Parkway is designed to provide a ten-foot wide paved shared trail on the south side of Eagles Parkway from Buckner Tarsney Road to Blue Branch Creek Trail. The project purpose is to improve pedestrian/bike trail traffic. The current pedestrian route to the schools is a sidewalk from the east - with no pedestrian access provided from the west. No bicycle access is provided with connection to existing shared trails to either the east or west. This proposed project will provide connectivity to existing trails, safe routes to schools and connectivity to existing major roads within the city.
     The second project submitted includes expansion and improvements to SW Eagles Parkway from Buckner Tarsney Road to Cross Creek Drive. This project includes curb and gutter work where missing, sidewalks on the north side of the street, bicycle/pedestrian shared path on the south side of the street, Stormwater improvements, intersection improvements at Kirby Road/High School entrance and Cross Creek Drive.
     The grant application explains, “The intersection improvements [will be designed to] include left hand turn lanes and a right-hand turn lane into the high school. With the growth of Grain Valley and the expansion of the Grain Valley High School has come increased traffic at the intersection causing long delays during the morning rush of students arriving, afternoon rush of students departing and evening school sporting events.”
     The final project application calls for construction of approximately 3,630 feet of 10-foot-wide paved trail connecting Nelson Drive, Sni-A-Bar Blvd to the existing Blue Branch Trail along Buckner Tarsney Road. Currently, Buckner Tarsney Road is a two-lane road without curbs or sidewalks. This proposed trail will provide that safe pedestrian and bike access.
     According to MARC, comments received will be provided to the committees and incorporated into the process of determining funding recommendations.
     For more information on the three grant applications or to submit a public comment, visit https://gis2.marc2.org/suballocated/PublicCommentListing.html.
     Public comments must be submitted by Friday, September 23. If you have any questions regarding the 2025-2026 Transportation Project Applications contact Public Information Officer, Tiffany Lor, at [email protected].
 

      The Grain Valley Police Department invites residents to their National Night Out Against Crime event in the field behind the Community Center, on Tuesday, September 20th from 6:00pm - 8:00pm.  
During this free event, families can enjoy free food and drinks, K9 demonstrations, Bomb Squad demos, helicopter landing, and security raffle prizes.

     (StatePoint) Movement is an essential part of early childhood development. It encourages motor skills and helps kids grow to be healthy and strong. There are tons of fun ways to get little ones on the move! Here are some great activities, games and toys to try incorporating into children’s playtime:

     1. Rhythm of the beat: Play all kinds of music at home to inspire little ones to find the beat and move in time to the music. Wrist bells, maracas and egg shakers are all simple percussion instruments that are perfect for little hands. As kids get older, you can introduce musical games like “Freeze Dance” and “Hokey Pokey.”

     2. Baby steps to big steps: Seek out toys that adapt as children grow and gain new skills. The Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker from VTech, suited for ages 9-36 months, can be an essential part of the journey from crawler to walker. Start out with the easy-to-remove activity panel for interactive floor play, then once a child is ready, step it up with the walker. It teaches topics like shapes, colors, animals and music. Plus, the walker’s spinning gears, piano keys, rollers, telephone handset and light-up shape sorters and buttons can offer engaging fun, while helping develop motor skills and creativity.

     3. Works of art: Finger painting is a chance for kids to move around, get messy and express themselves. Just be sure to use age-appropriate supplies. New, eco-friendly, organic paints made from fruit and vegetable extracts can help ensure that art time is safe for little ones.

     4. Coordination fun: Provide children with opportunities to hone coordination with toys and manipulatives. 

     5. Go for the gold: Playing sports teaches kiddos cooperation and teamwork, improves physical and mental health, and is a great way to make friends. It’s never too early to pique their interest in traditional sports like basketball and soccer.  Practice kicking a soccer ball into a net, or tossing a basketball into a child-sized goal. 

     As babies and toddlers grow, a healthy dose of movement is important. From forays into the world of music, art and sports, to interactive learning toys, there are many avenues for getting children active during play.

     From my Sunday afternoon drives and the Jackson County Plat Maps from 1889, 1904 and 1911, I have concluded that the early roads around Grain Valley were named for destinations. For Example, Buckner Tarsney Road, Lone Jack Lee’s Summit Road, Stony Point Road and Pink Hill Road.
     In the early years, when folks traveled on horseback or in a wagon, I think roads and road names may not have been terribly important. Most people followed a creek bed, a fence row or the straightest line between two points. If they were visiting a neighbor they took the path that led to, for example, the Russell place. I believe the Rural Free Delivery Act of 1893 was probably responsible for many paths becoming roads and those roads being named.  Although it took about 10 years for the concept to spread through the United States, it was probably at this times that roads around Grain Valley were “officially” named. Again, it was logical to give them the name of the family living on the road. 
     In addition to Hardsaw Road  and Nebgen Road (Valley News, September 1, 2022), some of the roads two miles south and east of Grain Valley include Jenkins, Campbell, Russell, Spencer and Corn. From the 1900 U. S. Census, I learned that these were some of the “neighbors” living on the farms in the area. Most listed their address as Tarsney Lakes, Missouri. Their children attended Oak Hill School or Pueblo School. And when those children grew up, several married a neighbor. 
     Mark Jenkins (Jenkins Road) lived there with his three sons, Mark, Jr., Albert and Robert. They appear on the 1930 U. S. Census. His wife, Irene, died in 1928, so I cannot determine if she ever lived in Grain Valley.  His middle son, Albert was married Rhoda Tesch in 1937. She was the daughter of Lillie (Ashcroft) and Glover Tesch. The marriage ended in divorce during World War II. Rhoda remained in Hawaii. Robert Jenkins, the youngest son was killed in the Philippines during WW II and was buried at sea.
     While there were many Campbell families living north of Grain Valley, I have not determined any Campbells on the south. This will require further research if I am to determine the origin of this road name.
     You can turn west off of Corn Road onto Russell Road. It winds around only a short distance before you turn east back onto Corn Road. I can well imagine that “back in the day” only members of the Russell Family lived on this road. After all, John Chastain Russell (1809-1879) and his wife Charlotte (1812-1893) are buried in Koger Cemetery along with a number of their 10 children and their descendants. A granddaughter, Goldie Russell Montgomery was the subject of one of my articles. (Valley News, February 3, 2022)
     Spencer Road was most likely named for Robert Spencer (1861-1942) who was born in Cannington, Ontario, Canada and arrived in Jackson County in 1888. Their four children grew up in the area and the eldest son, Robert F. Spencer and his wife are also buried in Koger Cemetery. One additional grave, David J. Spencer is also in the family plot. The only information I’ve learned about David is that at age 5 he was living in an orphanage in St. Joseph, Missouri.
     The Corn family is quite large and it is difficult to determine exactly which branch of the family resided on Corn Road. Perhaps the Corn Road history is the story for another week!

     Along with the usual assortment of tomatoes that we are accustomed to planting, this year our garden includes a ‘cousin’ that we sometimes have difficulty locating when it is time to plant– tomatillos. This weedy-looking plant tries its best to take over the space while we try to just keep it contained!
     The tomatillo is native to Central American where it grew wild (hence its desire to spread) and was domesticated in Mexico where it has been grown as a food crop for hundreds of years. Tomatillos are also known as husk tomatoes, Mexican green tomatoes, Mexican ground cherry, and strawberry tomatoes. They are a member of the nightshade (Solanaceae) family, as are tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and peppers.
     The outer paper-like husk of the tomatillo resembles a Chinese lantern and acts as a sort of protection to the fruit inside. Tomatillos are ripe when the fruit fills and splits the husk, however the fruit itself should be green and firm. Fruit that is yellow will tend to a sweeter flavor, rather than the characteristic tart flavor expected of a tomatillo. After peeling the husk away, the tomatillo will be sticky, which is normal and easily washed away.
     Tomatillos are rich in Vitamins C and K, which provide immune support and help our bodies heal from injury. They also provide niacin that helps our body turn carbohydrates in to energy and potassium that aids in muscle contraction and regulation of blood pressure. Of course, as with all fruits and vegetables, there is also fiber which aids in digestive health.
     As a traditional part of Mexican cooking, tomatillos are often found in stews, moles, and salsas. For a quick fresh green salsa, sauté 2 cups chopped tomatillos, ½ cup diced onion, ½ cup diced green chili, and 1 minced garlic clove in 2 tbsp. oil. Add ¼ cup of water and heat until the vegetables are soft. Purée mixture in a blender and add 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro if desired. If you have an abundance of tomatillos (like I am expecting) the recipe below is our favorite to preserve some of that garden goodness to enjoy long past garden season.

Green Tomatillo Salsa
(Makes about 5 pints)
 
Ingredients:
5 cups chopped tomatillos
1-½ cups seeded, chopped long green chiles
½ cup seeded, finely chopped jalapeño peppers
4 cups chopped onions
1 cup bottled lemon or lime juice
6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon ground cumin (optional)
3 tablespoons dried oregano leaves (optional)
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
 
Instructions:
Wash hands, work surfaces, and equipment with warm, soapy water.
Preparing Tomatillos: Remove the dry outer husks from tomatillos; wash thoroughly. They do not need to be peeled or seeded. Chop tomatillos.
Preparing Peppers: (Wear plastic or rubber gloves and do not touch your face while handling or cutting hot peppers. If you do not wear gloves, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your face or eyes.) If you choose to peel chiles, slit each pepper along the side to allow steam to escape. Peel using one of these two methods:
Oven or broiler method - Place chiles in a hot oven (400°F) or broiler for 6 to 8 minutes until skins blister.
Range-top method - Cover hot burner (either gas or electric) with heavy wire mesh. Place peppers on burner for several minutes until skins blister.
After blistering skins, place peppers in a pan and cover with a damp cloth. Cool several minutes; slip off skins. Discard seeds and chop peppers.
Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan and stir frequently over high heat until mixture begins to boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2O minutes, stirring occasionally. Ladle hot into clean, hot pint jars, leaving ½-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace if needed. Wipe rims of jars with a dampened, clean paper towel; apply two-piece metal canning lids. Process in a boiling water canner for 15 minutes (adjust for altitudes above 1000 feet as recommended). When time is up, turn off heat, remove canner lid, and let jars sit in water for 5 minutes more. Remove jars and let sit undisturbed on counter for 24 hours, checking for vacuum seal after 2 hours.
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Visit the National Center for Home Food Preservation for more information and safe, tested recipes like this one. https://nchfp.uga.edu/how/can_salsa/tomatillo_green_salsa.html
 
Nutrition information: (2 tablespoons) Calories: 10, Total Fat: 0g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Sodium: 89mg, Carbohydrates: 2.5g, Fiber: 0g, Protein: 0g