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by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society This week’s article shall begin with the Original Town, Lot 19, a location I knew very well as a child. The building on Lot 19, which burned on December 9. 1959 was Napier Hardware, a business owed by my parents, Mildred and Charlie Napier. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Lot 19 is a pie shaped piece of land in the half-block that borders the railroad on the northeast side of Main Street. The first owner of this lot was Mell Hulse It was sold to M. L. Hall on January 20, 1900. And this is where my research has hit a snag. In the Recorders book it appears that N.T. Webb purchased the land on May 21, 1909 and the Warren Webb Mercantile Co. purchased Lot 19 and the building on November 16, 1910. However, I have a photograph of the Warren Webb Hardware dated 1902. I suppose 120 years later, it doesn’t really matter, but it is curious. The lot and building were sold to W. H. Loring on June 7, 1916 and for the next 50 years, it was known as Loring Hardware. When Mr. Loring died the title was transferred to his wife, Ada Loring. For many years following his death, Loring Hardware was managed by Abner Hanes and later Cecil Poage. My parents bought the business in 1949. However, it must have been bought with a mortgage because the title transfer did not occur until May 29, 1956. That would also explain why the name change didn’t occur until that time. I never really knew why and I never asked either of my parents. I just remember old Painter Neal, a sign painter who lived “out south” came to town one day and painted Napier Hardware on the large window near the front door. Unfortunately, I have no photographs of my family’s business. Some years after the fire, Hugo Pierce purchased the vacant lot and it 1972 Lot 19 became the property of The Bank of Grain Valley. The information for Lot 20 is somewhat sketchy. There are only 4 names on the deed prior to 1962; N. Bohin, Ed Williams, W. J. Pratt and Edgar Huff. In 1962, three years after the fire Mary Mollenkamp, granddaughter of the Bank of Grain Valley President, at the time, is listed as the owner and then Model Engineering who also owned Lots 21-24. Since the fire in 1959 Lot 20, like Lot 19 has only been vacant and a parking lot. Prior to the fire Lot 21 was actually Front Street as shown on the map. As for the building on Lot 20, during the late 1920s and early 30s, it was one of three small hotels in town. The lower floor sometimes housed a restaurant and rooms where the proprietor might have lived. Outside stairs on the south side of the building led to the second level with as many as 6 or 8 separate rooms. I do not know when the hotel closed. I do know that gasoline pumps were in front of the building in the 1940 when Mr. Huff ran an auto repair shop there, selling gas out front. When the building burned there were 3 apartments on the second level and the lower floor was vacant. The fire was started in one of the apartments by a sleeping man who fell asleep (more likely passed out) with a lit cigarette. At the time, Grain Valley did not have city water! Many homes and business near the area had roof fires that night. Less than two weeks later a city water bond, which had failed for years, passed with only 3 NO votes. Next week learn about the remaining 18 lots, part of the Downtown Grain Valley revitalization/Missouri Main Street porject. Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society
In today's ever-changing job market, it's more important than ever to have the skills and qualifications necessary to succeed in a high-paying career. Unfortunately, many hardworking adults in suburban Eastern Jackson County are struggling to make ends meet while also trying to gain the education they need to qualify for better jobs. That's where Job Skills for New Careers comes in.
This collaborative community initiative, launched in early 2020, is focused on helping adults gain the skills they need to succeed in in-demand careers like Certified Nursing Assistants, Computer Support Specialists, EKG technicians, CDL drivers, Phlebotomy technicians, and many, many more. By utilizing adult education funding available through numerous local programs, individuals can gain critical career skills that can make a remarkable impact on their lives in the long term without going into debt. What sets Job Skills for New Careers apart from other education programs is the comprehensive wrap-around services provided by Community Services League. These critical services provide individuals with support for everything from utilities and rent assistance, purchasing scrubs and stethoscopes for the first day of work, to offering personal finance coaching and resume writing. These critical programs and services allow people to navigate beyond life's barriers to achieve their career goals. The success rate of Job Skills for New Careers is truly impressive. In 2020, 53 individuals completed training programs. This year, more than 200 individuals are expected to complete their certificate programs and will be well on their way to a better career and life for themselves and their families. They will go far in new careers that pay living wages and are proven to be in high demand in the region. One of the key factors contributing to the success of Job Skills for New Careers is its collaborative approach. With organizations like Community Services League, Mid-Continent Public Library, KC Scholars, the University of Central Missouri, the Independence Council for Economic Development, and the Mid-America Regional Council, Job Skills for New Careers offers a pathway to success at every level, from high school GED to landing that dream job. By working together, our partners can offer a wide variety of readily available solutions to some of the most common barriers to adult learning. KC Scholars received a $50 million grant from The Kauffman Foundation to provide adult-learning tuition assistance, and they have lofty goals for participation and completion rates. KC Scholars provides tuition assistance for approved training programs that lead to careers with salaries between $45,000 and $85,000. More than 60% of our participants will have their tuition paid by KC Scholars through the Great Jobs KC program. The Truman Heartland Community Foundation fundholders also play a critical role in the success of Job Skills for New Careers. They provide financial support for the wrap-around services that make this initiative so effective, donating nearly $600,000 since 2020. Unlike other partner funds that are restricted to tuition reimbursement, the flexibility of our fundholder dollars is unique. Their gifts immediately go out to help our hard-working neighbors stay on the road to financial stability with a better career. If you're interested in taking part in this program as an adult learner, start your journey with our friends at Community Services League (www.cslcares.org/newskills) or KC Scholars (www.kcscholars.org/great-jobs-kc-scholarship). They will walk you through the process and help you find the right career path for you. And if you would like to learn how you can use your donor advised fund or some other charitable vehicle to support Job Skills for New Careers or other Foundation initiatives, contact THCF (www.thcf.org or 816.836.8189). With the support of our community, we can help hardworking adults gain the skills and qualifications they need to succeed in today's job market. The following information is derived from Grain Valley Police Department daily calls service log for the week of September 12-18, 2023.
September 12, 2023 100 Blk N Main St Dealer license 100 Blk Blue Branch Ct Harassment 1500 Blk Erin Ct Citizen contact PHQ Citizen contact 900 Blk Lindenwood Citizen contact 1300 Blk N Brentwood Citizen contact PHQ Citizen contact September 13, 2023 1200 Blk Ashley Dr Unattended juvenile 1100 Blk N Buckner-Tarsney Rd Suspicious vehicle 300 Blk Old 40 Hwy Agency assist 200 Blk NW Lindsey Dr Abandoned auto PHQ Citizen contact 400 Blk SE 1st St Agency assist September 14, 2023 W/B I70 Entrance Debris removal 1200 Blk SW Eagles Pkwy Motor vehicle accident PHQ Fingerprints 1300 Blk Lindenwood Parking complaint 400 Blk Rock Creek Ln Disturbance 1200 Blk NW Hill Top Ln Armed disturbance 100 Blk Sunny Ln Stealing Buckner-Tarsney Rd/Fristoe Rd Agency assist 200 BLK Eagles Pkwy Agency assist Sni-a-bar & Hamilton C & I driving 1400 Blk Eagle Ridge Area check September 15, 2023 Lindenwood & Rosewood Juvenile check PHQ Agency assist 900 Blk Redwood Illegal dumping Woodbury & Valley Ridge Children in street 800 Blk Main Stealing 1600 Blk Hilltop Alarm 600 Blk SW Cross Creek Alarm September 16, 2023 700 Blk Main Trespassing 900 Blk Lakeview Agency assist PHQ Threats 800 Blk SW Country Hill Disturbance 800 Blk San Kar Dr Assault 900 Blk Eagle Ridge Assault 1300 Blk Stoneybrook Check welfare PHQ Child custody RD Mize Rd/ Pavilion Area check PHQ Citizen contact Pink Hill/Dillingham Area check 1900 Blk SW Eagles Agency assist September 17, 2023 1200 Blk RD Mize Rd Area check 1300 Blk NW Cottonwood Parking complaint PHQ Animal control service PHQ Citizen contact PHQ Citizen contact PHQ Citizen contact 1500 Blk High View Fireworks complaint Jefferson Rd Motor vehicle accident 800 Blk Hickory Ridge Dr Area check September 18, 2023 PHQ Citizen contact PHQ Citizen contact 100 Blk Eagles Pkwy Property damage 1800 Blk Mya Ct Assault 40/Kirby Motor vehicle accident 600 Blk SW ShorthornnDr Welfare check 1100 Blk NW Bush Dr Alarm Sni-A-Bar/Willow Motor vehicle accident 100 Blk Sunny Ln Unattended death 200 Blk SW Cross Creek Welfare check Additional calls for service: Suicidal subject: 1 Domestic violence: 3 Life Directions class, Faith UMC ensure no Grain Valley students go hungry on the weekends9/16/2023
Enter Faith United Methodist Church (UMC) in Grain Valley on Thursday mornings, and you'll hear a buzz of activity in a nearby classroom. Set up in assembly line fashion, the students from Grain Valley High School’s Life Directions class are packaging 188 weekend meals for students throughout the Grain Valley school district, including all four elementary schools and the early childhood center. The group is also packaging meals for the middle schools and high school in the interim while another church who supplies those schools gets their program back up and running for the school year. Faith UMC coordinates the BackSnack program, which provides a weekly pack filled with nutritious food for school age children in Grain Valley Schools. Faith UMC Pastor Mike Cassidy said the number of students served in the program has skyrocketed in recent years. When the church began coordinating the program approximately ten years ago, around 30 students were being served. This past week, volunteers packed 188 BackSnacks. The program is funded by the church, along with support from individual donors. Counselors at each of the district’s schools help identify students and families who could benefit from the program. As Cassidy explains, the BackSnacks are designed to include items that kids themselves can manage. “Everything is a pop top, and individual servings that kids can manage on their own,” Cassidy said. Denna Coulson, is the volunteer coordinator of the program at Faith UMC. As a retired teacher, she knows how critical the program is to ensuring all students come to school on Monday morning prepared to learn. Coulson has a team of volunteers who come together every Thursday to quickly pack, sort, and deliver BackSnacks to each school. The Life Directions class delivers BackSnacks to schools on the south side of town, while Faith UMC volunteers delivers to schools on the north side. “We have church volunteers, parents, teachers, and the bus driver all here helping out this morning,” Coulson said. The crew works quickly, completing 188 packs for students in less than an hour. “These kids are wonderful,” Coulson said. They are a well-oiled machine. I just stand back and stay out of their way. They’re awesome.” Life Directions teacher Araya Penfield said the partnership with Faith UMC allows her students, who are mostly 18-21 year-olds, the opportunity to give back while learning important skills. “The focus of the class is to give them job skills, independent living skills, and experience working in the community,” Penfield said. “Working on BackSnacks and delivering them to each individual school makes it easier for them to see what they are doing is making a difference.” Sam Laws is a student in the Life Directions class, and is clearly an experienced member of the team assembling packs. “It’s fun to work at, and we do a good job working together,” Laws said. Laws said it is hard work, but he is happy that he and his classmates “are doing work to help people.” Cassidy shared that it was Sam that brought one of their newest community efforts into focus. “Sam participates in a group called the Friendship Club, and they were recently in need of a new home,” Cassidy explains. Friendship Club, which was founded 25 years ago by a Blue Springs mother of a child with special needs, is a social gathering for young people with special needs. The group meets once a month on Friday nights, and Sam is an active member. While Sam is not a member of Faith UMC, when the Friendship Club had lost its meeting space and was searching for a new home, Cassidy said that Sam told them, “You can go to my church!”. The Friendship Club now meets at Faith UMC monthly. “It all started down here with BackSnacks. It’s amazing how those connections happened,” Cassidy said. Cassidy explains their experiences with the Life Directions class and Friendship Club helped inform their next project in the community: the Good People Café. The café will soon be housed in the former library space on Eagles Parkway and will be staffed by young adults with special needs. “It can be hard to get employers to not just see people for the role they need filled, but for the person you are. We are excited to offer an opportunity for people with special needs to gain job skills and participate in the workforce,” Cassidy said. Additionally, Cassidy said the new café will allow the church to do outreach to families who struggle to attend traditional worship services. “80% of families with special needs family members are not in worship, so we’re planning a special night at the café for those families. It will be designed for them. Everybody there is in the same boat so there’s less pressure and less stress.” Faith UMC supports the BackSnack program, but individual and business donors are also important to support the program as it grows. Product donations are certainly welcome (list of commonly distributed items below), but monetary donations make it easy for volunteer coordinators to efficiently supply all BackSnacks with standard items. To make a one-time or recurring donation to the BackSnack program, visit https://valleyfaith.churchcenter.com/giving/to/backpack-snacks Common BackSnack items (donations may be delivered to Faith United Methodist Church): Oatmeal packets Pop Tarts Granola bars Mac & cheese (individual microwave servings) Ramen noodles (individual servings) Soup (with pop top cans) individual peanut butter Tuna (pop top or easy open packets) Ravioli (pop top) Fruit cups Pudding cups (shelf stable) applesauce microwave popcorn Slim Jims crackers chips snack crackers/Cheez-Its Trail Mix peanut butter or cheese cracker sandwiches fruit snacks GVHS teacher Araya Penfield (center) works with her Life Directions class each Thursday at Faith UMC to pack and distribute BackSnacks for students in Grain Valley. Photo credit: Grain Valley News staff Grain Valley High School student Sam Laws is just one of a crew of volunteers from the Life Directions class who pack hundreds of Backsnacks each week for Grain Valley students. Photo credit: Grain Valley News staff
by Michael Smith It had been a struggle for the defense of the Grain Valley football team. Through three games, the Eagles surrendered an average of 33.3 points per game to their opponents. The Eagles also had a hard time stopping the run. The latest example was in the Week 3 contest against Oak Park, in which the Northmen totaled 290 yards on the ground. The Eagles made sure that didn’t happen again in Friday’s Suburban White Conference opener against Platte County. They limited the Pirates to just 113 yards rushing and 238 total, while forcing three turnovers and collecting four sacks in a 45-24 victory on the road. “We just workshopped it and hammered into stopping the run all week long,” Grain Valley senior cornerback Braylon Harden said. “If you did something wrong, you did push ups.” “Defense has always been a staple at Grain Valley and always will be.” Senior Stylz Blackmon, who plays on the line on offense and defense, credited the resurgence to one thing. “Faith,” Blackmon said. “We have the players to get it done (on defense). We just need to find that click, and I think we did tonight.” Grain Valley (3-1, 1-0 conference) got all its turnovers in a second half in which it outscored Platte County 28-10. Harden intercepted a tipped pass from Platte County quarterback Rocco Marriott late in the third period; senior Jace Worthington recovered a fumble on a botched handoff by Platte County and junior Aaron Barr picked off Marriott midway through the fourth period. The Eagles did a great job at pressuring Marriott, as well. Junior linebacker Toby Inman led the Eagles with 1.5 sacks of quarterback Rocco Marriott. Seniors Jayveon Erwin and Collin Burd added one each. “Jayveon is a kid who has been banged up a little bit,” Grain Valley head coach David Allie said. “This is the first game he’s been able to play a significant amount of reps. He’s going to be a special kid. He’s explosive.” “Toby is one of our guys who has stepped up. He can play in the inside and outside.” While the defense was a big reason for the win, so was senior running back Ty Williams. He continued his outstanding season as he had 339 yards rushing on 28 carries and had two catches for 63 yards with six total touchdowns. Against Platte County, he was frequently breaking tackles and when he got into open space, he often outran the opposing defense. “He’s a workhorse,” Allie said. “He wants the ball and we’re going to give it to him.” Through four games, Williams has 914 yards and 14 TDs. For reference, the Eagles leading rusher last year was then quarterback Caleb Larson, who had 1,059 yards and 13 scores. Williams is on pace to pass his former teammate next week and could finish with more than 2,000 yards at season’s end. Even with the massive amount of success he’s had so far, Williams defers the credit to his offensive. “Shout out to my O line, they are in there day in and day out banging on each other, just to make me look better than I actually am,” Williams said. After forcing a three-and-out on defense, Grain Valley scored on the first drive when Williams found a big hole up the middle and he ran away from the Pirate defense for a 70-yard rushing touchdown to make it 7-0. Both teams traded empty possessions, which included an Eagle drive that resulted in a turnover on downs when Williams was stopped behind the first-down marker on a fourth-and-1 run from the Platte County 48. The Pirates later took advantage of a pass interference penalty on the Eagles, which gave them a first down on third-and-6. Sophomore running back Adam Gisler capped the possession with a 2-yard TD run to tie it at the 1:36 mark in the first. With 17 seconds left in the first period, Williams broke off another big run. He fit through a small hole, kept running through a Platte County defender tugging his jersey and hit pay dirt from 32 yards out to make it 14-7. After getting another stop, Grain Valley made it down to the Platte County red zone, but had to settle for a 19-yard field goal from senior Ben Drinkwater to go up 17-7. On the Pirates’ ensuing drive, a 63-yard pass from Marriott to sophomore Braiden Stewart helped set up a 1-yard TD run for Gisler to cut Grain Valley’s lead to 17-14. That score held until halftime and the Eagles (3-1, 1-0 conference) ran away with it in the final 24 minutes. Grain Valley began the big half with Williams catching a pass from quarterback Sal Caldarella and taking it in from 61 yards out early in the third quarter to put the Eagles up 24-14. “It was a little Texas route,” Williams said. “It was a little angle and Sal saw me. He hit me. It was all kind of a blur and I just kept running and breaking tackles.” Williams later scored a trio of TDs on a pitch play from 13 yards out, a 1-yard plunge up the middle and an outside run to the left for 65 yards to put the exclamation point on the contest with 1:52 left. “It’s been surreal,” Williams said of his hot start to the season. “It’s been great, it’s been fun. It wasn’t just given, it was earned. We all worked hard.” Senior running back Ty Williams continued his outstanding season as he had 339 yards rushing on 28 carries and had two catches for 63 yards with six total touchdowns. Photo credit: Clara Jaques Photo credit: Clara Jaques
by Cole Arndorfer
The City of Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met on Monday, September 11, for their first regular meeting in the month of September. This meeting included a presentation on the Comprehensive Plan and Parks Master Plan by Confluence, a public hearing on amending Chapter 425 of the City Codes of Ordinances in order to be consistent with the Missouri Constitution being amended in regard to marijuana laws, three new resolutions, and two first readings of ordinances. Under presentations, representatives from Confluence Inc. gave aldermen an overview of both the Comprehensive Plan and the Parks Master Plan that are ready to be implemented. At the time of the public hearing regarding the marijuana laws, Community Development Director, Mark. Trosen, explained that Missouri voters voted to legalize recreational marijuana use. Because of this, the Code of Ordinances must be changed to remove language referring to “medical marijuana facilities” and replace it with “comprehensive marijuana facilities”. The public hearing was closed with no residents speaking regarding the matter. The first resolution was over adopting the Comprehensive Plan and the Parks Master Plan that was discussed previously in the meeting. The board had a lengthy conversation concerning the planned increase in multifamily housing and decrease in single family housing and how that might affect the city in the future. At this time, the board felt that even though this plan was a soft plan and would be able to change over time, their constituents would not be on board with the planned increases in multifamily housing that the plan spells out. This resolution was rejected 4-1 with alderman Bray being the lone acceptance vote. The next resolution discussed was brought up in order to allow the city administrator to execute an agreement with Crawford, Murphy, and Tilly Inc. to design a northeast sewer interceptor and pump station. This was approved 5-0. The third, and final, resolution that was discussed was in order to allow the city to enter into a contract with Shawnee LED to install a digital sign. This was approved 5-0. The digital sign discussed will be a 4’ by 8’ board with a base that is 2’ by 10’ and it will replace the old, manual sign at City Hall. Under ordinances, the first bill discussed was to amend the city code regarding the legality of recreational marijuana in the city in accordance with state law. The first read of this bill was accepted 5-0 and it will be brought back for its second read at the next meeting. The second bill discussed was to amend the wording in the city code regarding marijuana as previously discussed in the meeting. The only changes in the code would be taking out the “medical marijuana facilities” wording and change it to “comprehensive marijuana facilities” in Chapter 425. The first read of this bill was accepted 5-0 and it will also be brought back for its second read at the next meeting. During staff reports, Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Davies updated the board on the fall baseball and softball program; saying that games would start next week and run through the middle or end of October depending on the weather. The department reports 335 kids participating in the programs this season. During mayor comments, Mayor Mike Todd thanked everyone involved in the parade from the police department, to parks and recreation and public works, to the volunteers that helped everything run smooth. He also noted that this looked to be the highest attended fair that he could remember. The next meeting of the board of aldermen will be held on Monday, September 25 at 7 pm in City Hall. The GVHS boys swim team went home with a first place trophy following exemplary performances last weekend in the Belton Pirate Invitational. Photo credit: DeAmbra Arrington
A few more hours at the Recorder of Deeds Office in the Jackson County Courthouse and I am able to tell you a bit more history about some of the businesses in our town. Although more businesses currently exist on the west side of Main Street, the “original town” was on the east side.
Some readers may recall seeing this map of the original 4 acres which appeared in the Looking Back column of Valley News on July 23, 2020. As you can see, when the town received the land from Mr. Lucas, those four acres were divided into 38 separate parcels. Lots 1 through 18 were on the south side of the railroad and lots 19 through 38 were on the north side. They stretched from 1st Street on the North (now Walnut) to the edge of town (there was no street on the south end) and included Main Street and Cypress with a 10-foot alley in between. The first owners of these lots would have been the early settlers, and many of the names were earlier associated with both Stony Point and Pink Hill –Bishop, Browne, Harris, George, Spindle, Hulse, Bohn, Cannon, Wood, Keshler, Keener, J. F. Gregg, Elisha Moore, E. J. Williams, Dean, and D. M. Majors. A few put buildings on their lots, but many like James Lucas were land speculators and soon sold their lots to individuals who would put a business in our town. Lots 1 & 2 were sold to J. N. Daniel, a doctor who established his practice in Grain Valley for several years. August and John Heidelberger both purchased multiple lots, although there is no record of them ever owning a business. In 1944, Ray Frantz purchased lots 1 through 8 and built his home and business there. It may be important to note that each lot (1-8) was only 22 ½ feet wide and 115 feet deep. Thus, multiple lots were required for almost anything that would be built. At some point prior to 1904, Harris Street was established south of Lots 8 and 9. 1904 was when Mabel (Harris) Peal was born to Charles and Lula Harris (great-great grandparents of current Mayor Mike Todd). Lots 9 through 12 were owned for many years by the Rosa Stillwell. In the 1950s Elwood Elliott and later Eura Bush had a house at the end of Harris Street. Lots 13 through 18 were owned by 9 individuals before being purchased by the Grain Valley Lumber Co. in 1913. From the 1940s until the mid-1960s Floyd Sharp had a lumber yard there. Today, that would be the car wash! Next week learn about the businesses north of the railroad tracks, part of the Downtown Grain Valley revitalization/Missouri Main Street project. Visit the Historical Society to view the records of all of the owners of the original town and the Graves and Ashcroft addition (west side of Main Street) from 1878 through 1975. by Michael Smith It was just last week when sophomore Sydnee Wagner returned to pitch for the Grain Valley softball team. She made her return in a tournament game against Eureka in the Ozark’s Fall Festival. She tossed two innings and picked up the win in a 16-1 victory. Wagner was limited to 40 pitches at that time because it was her first game back after recovering from a tear in the TFCC ligament in her pitching hand. Coming into Tuesday’s Suburban White Conference matchup against Platte County, head coach Flip Courter limited his young hurler to 60 pitches. She made the most of those throws as she fired five scoreless innings to help the Eagles come away with a 8-0 victory at home, which was the team’s 10th consecutive victory. “She got through five innings on 60 pitches, which I was very excited about,” Courter said. “It really helped that she was able to go deep into the game and she scattered some hits.” Wagner added two walks and struck out one in the victory. She is still not a full strength according to Courter, but she was effective enough to notch the Eagles sixth shutout win of the season. Platte County had some traffic on the bases against Wagner. The Pirates has the bases loaded with two outs in the top of the second and runners at first and second with two outs in the third, but the Eagles hurler got out of each jam. “I think it was good for my defense to have my back,” Wagner said. “I was really grateful for that.” Sidney Hemme came in to toss the last two innings and dominated. She allowed just one hit and struck out five batters. The Eagles were fueled offensively by junior Kierstin Parker, who drove in two runs on a triple that she smashed into the right-center field gap in the second. A throw from the Platte County infield on a relay throw got away from catcher Morgan Shields and allowed Parker to score in the error. “I had been struggling before,” said Parker, who was 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs. Ever since the game against Republic, I have just been hot at the plate. “One through nine, I think we are hitting pretty decent. The season is starting to roll for us.” After the game, Courter awarded Parker the “Player of the Game” bat, a blue bat that he has the recipient sign at the end of a game. “She’s scorching hot,” Courter said. “Even when she struck out, it led to good things happening. The catcher dropped the pitch to allow her reach base and after the throw from the catcher, one of our runners scored. “Sometimes you are blessed like that. That’s the way things are going for her lately.” Grain Valley (15-2) took a 3-0 lead into the fourth and senior Brynn Stufflebean added an insurance run when her sacrifice fly allowed Parker to score from third base to make it 4-0. The Eagles put it away with a four-run fifth inning that was highlighted by an RBI double from Stufflebean that ricocheted off the glove of Platte County third baseman Bryli Siefert. Salome’ Haley also had a big game for Grain Valley as she was 2-for-2 with three runs and a double. Grain Valley sophomore Sydnee Wagner pitcher her second game since coming back from a worst injury and pitched five shut out innings to lead the Eagles to a 8-0 victory Tuesday at home. Photo credit: Michael Smith
submitted by Grain Valley Democrats The Grain Valley Democrats hosted a booth at the Grain Valley Fair last weekend. The group registered voters, shared information about running for office, and asked interested parties to declare a political issue they were passionate about. Once a political issue was chosen, it was pinned to the “Issue Donkey.” The group encouraged those with differing opinions to choose an issue hoping to find areas of agreement. A total of 116 “tails” were pinned to the donkey representing 27 different issues. The top issue was education. Anyone interested in the group is welcome to attend monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Grain Valley Public Library. Photo submitted by Grain Valley Democrats
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