​     “Prove it.”
     That was the motto put forth by Grain Valley Eagles Head Football Coach David Allie and his staff in the week leading up to their game against the visiting Kearney Bulldogs. Prove that the team will not lick their wounds from the previous loss. Prove the capability to beat more than the team’s critics think you can beat on the schedule. Prove that we belong in this conference by defeating a physical and respected program with a tradition of winning.
     Allie’s team did indeed prove it with their win over the Bulldogs by a score of 15-7 on Friday, October 11th. Kearney came to Moody Murray stadium with a 4-2 record, eager to build off the success they had enjoyed this season within the Suburban Conference.
     The Eagles defense and special team units were opportunistic and stingy. Individual efforts abounded at key moments in the game that allowed Grain Valley to keep or shift momentum in their favor with key plays.
     Senior Defensive Back William Lanear was the first to answer the call with a critical interception to stop the Kearney drive at the goal line with 8:10 left in the second quarter. Lanear read the open receiver in the flat and darted from his safety position to secure the interception.
     Lanear had been a vocal leader on the Eagles sideline, keeping his teammates focused and in check during the time he missed with his injured left knee earlier in the season. That’s what made his contribution so special in not being able to hide his emotions after the game.
     “I was reading the quarterback on the interception and doing my job. Everything else was covered and I made the choice to floor it getting in front of the receiver. I tried to take it (the football) back and get every yard I could,” Lanear said.
     Senior Linebacker Seth Dankenbring was next in showing determination with his blocked punt at the 1:38 mark of the second quarter. Dankenbring was acrobatic in timing his leap over the trio of Bulldog shield punt protectors to end up horizontal in the air prior to extending his right hand. The block allowed the Eagles to take over possession of the football at the Kearney 37-yard line.
     “All season we have talked about looking for opportunities to change a game. Big plays on special teams changes the momentum of a game and can give your offense big opportunities. I saw the window for the block and went for it. I couldn’t have done it without everyone else,” Dankenbring said.
     Not to be out done by Lanear and Dankenbring was Junior Linebacker Hunter Newsom. Newsom put forth an acting effort worthy of Oscar Award winning consideration when he baited Kearney’s quarterback by staying back from the flat window after identifying that’s where the ball was headed. The outcome was an interception by Newsom as he stepped in front of the intended receiver and returned the football to Grain Valley’s own 48-yard line with 6:54 left in the third quarter.
     “Putting in the time before and watching film allows you to be prepared to make an interception like that. I knew when the running back came out that there would be a window to make a play and I had to time it by not showing in his sight (the quarterback) too early,” Newsom said.
     The last word in responding with big plays would come from Senior Defensive Tackle Steele Blackmon. Blackmon would sack Kearney Quarterback Ian Acosta on a huge 3rd down and 7 from the Eagles 41-yard line to stall Kearney’s drive dead in its tracks with 6:44 left in the game.
     Blackmon also displayed consistent leadership in walking away from extracurricular activity after the whistle on downs as well as not permitting his teammates to partake in trash talking that could lead to potential penalties.
     “The message all week was prove it. Coach was non-stop in communicating that to us. I wanted to do something big in helping us to win. The opportunity came with the sack late in the game,” Blackmon said.
     Allie was delighted to talk about the effort of his defense and the gem of a game plan produced by Defensive Coordinator Pete Carpino.
     “We have talked all season about the importance of turnover differential. Our defense handed us the football on multiple occasions.  We were able to capitalize offensively on a couple of those. The play of our defensive line and our overall defensive unit in stopping the run was awesome tonight,” Allie said.
     “Offensively, we were able to throw the football in the flat and had success with short routes. Ultimately, there was determination by us to run the football through B gap. That happened with trap and ISO. We were able to get 15 points on the board.”
     The Eagles offensive efforts were boosted by the legs and right arm of Junior Quarterback Cole Keller. The eleven-minute mark of the 2nd quarter witnessed Keller keep the football on a mesh read in the backfield for a seven-yard scamper to the end zone.
     The ensuing two-point attempt was good on the handoff from Dankenbring to Senior Defensive Lineman Chance Pittman. Grain Valley would go up 8-7 and not surrender its lead.
     Later scoring by Grain Valley would include a touchdown pass from Keller to Junior Wide Receiver Parker Bosserman. Senior Jack Knust kicked the extra point. The ten-yard strike with :43 left in the first half would put the Eagles up 15-7. That would be all the scoring Grain Valley would need.
     The Eagles were able to drain the clock late in the game in part due to the rushing efforts of Senior Running Back Jamore Goulden. His 76 yards rushing on 14 carries were enough to help Grain Valley shorten the game.
     The win moves the Eagles to a 4-3 record on the season. The team will next travel to Ruskin High School on Friday, October 18th at 7pm.
 

     Tasha Lindsey, Executive Director of the Grain Valley Partnership, presented the Partnership’s annual report to the Board of Aldermen during the Board’s October 14th meeting. Lindsey recently celebrated her second anniversary with the Grain Valley Partnership in August.
     The Grain Valley Partnership is the result of a merging of the Economic Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce. The organization focuses on networking and professional development, promotion of businesses, business resources to promote growth, and government relations support.
     “We want to guide and mentor new businesses as well as providing them with the resources they need. Furthermore, I want new and existing businesses in our community to feel comfortable with asking questions. We have a wealth of people that I can reach out to in finding answers for businesses from start up to exit strategy. I want to be a part of your business journey,” Lindsey said.
     Lindsey reported she has started work to become a certified economic development director and highlighted accomplishments and existing challenges for the Grain Valley Partnership. Accomplishments listed by Lindsey included building trust with businesses, creating programs that have added value for partnership members, visibility of the organization within the community, and adding 50 new business partners over the last two years.
     “Due to previous struggles and transitions along with the merger of two entities prior to my joining the organization, trust had been lost. Without the trust of the community and business owners, our progress would be stalled. Much work has been done to push out our brand and establish or re-establish relationships within the community,” Lindsey said.
     “Programs that have been created offer additional value to partnership businesses. Instead of just having a monthly luncheon that our small businesses may not be able to attend, we have also started doing after hours get togethers and Coffee Connections that have seen great results. Social media has also allowed us to identify who we are and gain exposure to our community.”
     Lindsey continued that the Partnership’s relationship with the Missouri Economic Development Council is getting stronger and mentioned the Council has an interest in touring Grain Valley and meeting with city officials. Grain Valley has seen continued population growth and is nestled along one of the busiest interstates in the United States. As the tagline on its website explains, the Partnership bills the city as the “The Gateway of the Kansas City Metro”.
     “The Missouri Department of Economic Development serves the entire state, including large communities like Kansas City and St. Louis. If these people are seeing us as someone they want to come meet and a community they want to explore, that means we’re being talked about in Jefferson City. This may be due to promotion through our State Representative Jeff Coleman, as that is a responsibility he has undertaken,” Lindsey said.
     Retention of partner businesses and growing the base of business partners were noted as focus areas for the organization.
     Lindsey closed her presentation with thanking the board for the current positive rapport between the City of Grain Valley and the Grain Valley Partnership.
     “There’s a respect level that is mutual between us and aids approachability for both sides. We understand that we must work together to grow Grain Valley in a beneficial capacity,” Lindsey said.
     For additional information on the Grain Valley Partnership and its services for local businesses, visit www.growgrainvalley.org.
     In other news, the board unanimously passed the first readings of two ordinances concerning Planning and Zoning. The first ordinance formalizes the appointment, term, roles, and functions of the Planning and Zoning Commission and the appointment of members to the Board of Adjustment. The second ordinance establishes a process for owners of lands adjoining on both sides of a right-of-way or easement to file application for said area to be vacated. The final ordinance establishes an application fee of $250 for vacation of right-of-way and utility easements.
     Assistant City Administrator Theresa Osenbaugh also reported on the upcoming Grain Valley Community Campus meeting to be held at Sni-A-Bar Elementary on October 29th from 6:30pm – 7:30pm. Osenbaugh indicated that Sapp Design’s updated master plan would be shared and city staff would be present to answer questions from community members. Childcare will be provided.
     “This campus is the community’s campus. The importance of this meeting is to look at the master site plans and give residents the chance to give feedback and help us decide what is most important to them. This is their chance to give that feedback before we move on to designs,” Osenbaugh said.
     Residents who are not able to attend the community meeting are welcome to ask questions and share feedback via www.envisiongrainvalley.com.
     Flyers regarding the Community Campus meeting will also be handed out at the city’s Trail or Treat event on Friday, October 25th.
     The next meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be held Monday, October 28th at 7:00pm.
 

​The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of October 1-8,  2019.
 

     In the late 1940s and early 1950s many small towns had men’s basketball teams allowing young alumni a chance to play on a recreational team. Some of these teams formed on their own and others were sometimes sponsored, usually by local merchants. 
     Referred to as “town teams,” they would schedule games with other nearby towns.  By 1950 my father, in his late thirties, was too old to play so he was the “coach.” I use the term loosely because today they would probably be described as a “pick-up” team.  Most of his players had been outstanding high school players, and there were two or three that had played some small college basketball. Their designed plays were usually made up in the huddle and could more likely be thought of as “trick” plays. Grain Valley’s town teams were usually successful, often defeating their opponents from Blue Springs, Buckner, Levasy, Lone Jack, Oak Grove, Hardin, Polo and the likes.
     Then, during the 1953-54 season a women’s basketball team was formed. Known as Red Ridge Runners,  I can remember twelve different women who played with the team at various times.  They would practice in the school gymnasium one or two nights each week.
     Mildred and Charlie Napier owned the hardware store in town and sponsored the team, which meant they bought the pretty red uniforms with white belts and numbers, and they paid the league and tournament fees, occasionally with help from other merchants.  Charlie was the coach and I believe Mildred could best be described as the team’s business manager.
     They joined a league which played at the Armory in Kansas City on Sunday afternoons. In 1955 they won the league play and earned the right to participate in a national tournament held at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City.  
     Although Grain Valley lost in the first round, Louetta Snodgrass was the National Women’s Basketball Queen.
 
Visit the Grain Valley Historical Society’s website at www.grainvalleyhistory.com and follow them on Facebook @grainvalleyhistory.
 
 

     The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released results of the 2019 Annual Performance Report for districts on Thursday, October 17th, and Grain Valley once again received high marks.
     The Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP) was established in 1990 and is finishing its fifth cycle. The MSIP 5 Performance Standards are designed to recognize the achievement and growth of all Missouri students and are used as the basis of the Annual Performance Report (APR).
     The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education cites that one of the purposes of the APR is to meaningfully distinguish the performance of school buildings and school systems. For public school districts, the APR is important when considering accreditation. For charter schools, the APR is part of the sponsor’s renewal decisions. Until 2019, the MSIP 5 APR has used measures of student performance and a points system to distinguish the performance of school districts and charter schools.
     The points system provides a concise way to summarize the performance of public schools in the form of percentage of points earned. The format of the 2019 APR is both quite familiar and quite different from prior years.
     The APR continues to evaluate school performance against the performance standards previously used. Additionally, the calculations are the same as in the past. However, this year’s APR release will display both statistical and visual representations of how districts and charter schools perform rather than point totals and percentages.
     Each school district in Missouri has received feedback on five standards:
 
Academic Achievement (includes Growth, Status, and Progress measures in aggregate summary);
 
Subgroup Achievement (includes those subgroups that have historically performed below the state total – this is a single count of students from the following subgroups: Black, Hispanic, low income students, students with disabilities, and English learners);
 
College and Career Readiness (college and career assessment data, college credit attained, and post-secondary placement);
 
Attendance (attendance targets use the individual student’s proportional attendance rate and set the expectation that 90 percent of the students are in attendance 90 percent of the time);
 
Graduation Rate (the four-, five-, six-, and seven-year graduation rates are calculated based on graduation year cohorts, and the better of the four is used for APR determination. The 2019 APR includes three years of data for each of the rates).
 
     Statistical and visual representations received by school districts across the five standards are provided in three key areas. They are growth (are students making gains over time), status (what levels are students achieving now), and progress (is the school, district, or charter making improvement over prior years). The idea being that feedback provided and reported does not stand on status alone.
     Status expectations are rated across four levels with the metrics reported to school districts by DESE. They are in ascending order “Floor, Approaching, On Track, and Target.”
     The Grain Valley School District received “On Track” status results for academic achievement and subgroup achievement in both English Language Arts and Mathematics for their 2019 APR report. Furthermore, the district received the result of “Exceeding” (the highest level possible) for Growth within Academic Achievement for English Language Arts.
     The school district’s APR results were rounded out with receiving the status result of “Target” (the highest level possible) for all three College and Career Readiness Subgroups, Attendance, and Graduation Rate.
     Dr. Marc Snow, Superintendent of the Grain Valley School District shared his overall thoughts on the school district’s performance.
     “We are pleased again this year with the performance of our schools and district on Missouri's Annual Performance Report (APR) measures. The APR reflects many practical predictors of student success and our schools again received high marks from the state in student academic performance, attendance, and measures of success after high school (labeled College and Career Readiness),” Snow said.
     Snow continued with how the district’s ongoing efforts are reflected in the results.
     “Our schools offer a well-rounded learning experience for students that includes an emphasis on the arts, athletics, and other extra-curricular activities, in addition to academic success. The state APR does not assess everything we value in Grain Valley, and we would not expect it to, but our students' performance in core academic subjects is very important to us and is reflected in the state report.
     Our students' performance in English/Language Arts was exceptional again in 2019. Subgroup achievement in English/Language Arts for students experiencing at-risk factors also met learning expectations in 2019. Mathematics achievement was solid again and, along with English/Language Arts, out-performed state averages. Although also assessed on Science in 2019, only individual student results in Science are available and are not yet included in the APR as these assessments are new.
     The attention our teachers and school administrators place on success after high school are again reflected in the state's feedback. The 2019 report shows 93.6% of our high school graduates are employed, in the military, or seeking further education six months after graduation. The scores also reflect high marks for the emphasis placed on student attendance, participation in rigorous advanced placement courses, and in developing the skills needed for success after high school.”
     School districts across Missouri are encouraged by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to examine their APR and assessment data in looking for opportunities for improvement. Snow remarked on how the Grain Valley School District is already involved in that process.
     “We will use the results of the APR to find ways to improve in the areas measured. We have curriculum work underway at this time and these teams of teachers will use the performance data from last spring to influence what and how we teach core subjects,” Snow said.
     “The individual needs of students extend well beyond state assessments. Consistently achieving results like our teachers and schools produce requires the full attention of a community of adults to the needs of our young people and to the personal challenges they face. We believe that when our students feel safe, challenged, and cared for, their attendance improves, and their full learning potential can be realized. Ongoing improvement is needed in our ability to identify the individual needs of each student and to respond accordingly. Continued growth in meeting the needs of the whole child is expected to translate in continued high academic achievement in state and other measures.”
      Snow also emphasized there is more to educating a child than just assessments and data.
      “We feel blessed to have supportive partnerships with our families and community to guide the young people in our schools trying to navigate their way into adulthood. As has been mentioned, no state report can tell the whole story, but it can reveal the general health and strength of a school district. The 2019 APR affirms for us that the state of our school district is strong.”
 

​     Jorge Soler helped the Kansas City Royals make Major League Baseball history this past season. His 48 home runs allowed the organization to have their first American League Home Run Champion.
     Soler shattered the past Royals record Mike Moustakas set of 38 home runs during the 2017 season. Moose had previously broken a landmark that stood for 32 years when he surpassed the 36 home runs struck by Steve Balboni during the 1985 season.
     The Hank Aaron Award is given every year to best overall offensive performer in each league. The award was introduced in 1999 to mark the 25th anniversary of Hank Aaron breaking Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record. Aaron along with a panel of fellow Hall of Famers will combine with a fan vote to determine this year’s winner for each league.
     Soler will be competing for this prestigious award with other notable American League names like Mike Trout, Alex Bergman, DJ LeMahieu, and Nelson Cruz. The winners of the 2019 Hank Aaron Award will be announced during the 115th World Series. Bringing home this prestigious award would be a first for any Kansas City Royals player. Being first is not something lost on Soler, as he topped Rafael Palmeiro for hitting the most home runs in a season by a Cuban born player.
     What makes Soler’s contention for this award so impressive is not that he has battled injuries in previous years in staying healthy (he played in all 162 games in 2019). And that he lacked significant protection in the lineup to avoid being pitched around until late in the season when Ned Yost moved him to the number two spot in the batting order sandwiched between names like Merrifield, Gordon, or Dozier. Nor that his OPS (on base plus slugging percentage combined) at .922 was the highest of the 27-year old’s major league career.
     Perhaps what makes Soler’s season so special was that he played 82 games at Kauffman Stadium. The home of the Royals ranks second in overall fair territory at 118,500 square feet per FanGraphs. The only other ballpark that’s larger in Major League Baseball is Coors Field with 119,200 square feet. Adding to Soler’s extraordinary season is that he hit 21 of his 48 home runs within the confines of Kauffman Stadium.
     FanGraphs cites that “Playing surfaces of the new generation of ball parks have generally contracted in size. There appears to be little argument about that – and the data supports it. The trend is thought to have played a role in the increasing rates of home runs due to tighter ballpark dimensions.”
     Modern baseball stadiums have greater amenities, less obstructed views, and wider concourses. However, they are also much more hitter friendly and pitcher adverse. That’s what makes Soler’s season so sensational. He hit almost half of his home runs at Kauffman Stadium.
     Adding to Soler’s remarkable season would be the plate discipline he developed as the season progressed along with the exit velocity of baseballs coming off his bat. Kansas City’s right fielder and designated hitter had a 107.3 MPH exit velocity during the 2019 season per MLB Statcast, good for the 13th best overall average in all of baseball.
     This propels Soler higher into elite company. His 117 Runs Batted In or RBI’s don’t hurt either. Many of these were sparked by the right-hand batter’s ability to lay off balls that were down and away in the strike zone during the second half of the season. Soler’s 73 walks were also the highest of his career. No doubt they were helped by his 679 plate appearances.
     Soler’s power is special. Yost was on record this season with saying the organization is not sure on the ceiling for his offensive potential. He definitely broke through any impeding barriers this season. It will be interesting to see what lies next for Soler and the Royals, including whether a contract extension will be in the works this offseason.
 

​by Michael Switzer, Pathways of Honor
 

​     Local community groups supported the Homestyle Chili Cook-Off Competition held this past weekend at the Grain Valley Community Center Pavilion with nine teams in the competition. The teams were local businesses like “The Pest Chili Ever Team“ of Kevin Girtz, Nic and Samantha Bennett from Moxie Pest Control, local charity Purple Peace Foundation and Superwoman Stacey Perry, local resident Tiffany Null as “Team Tiffany” and Dave Null with the Deer Creek Sportsman Club. The “Blue Wave Team “was Chief James Beale, Capt. Scott Hedger, Sgt. Curtis VanderLinden and Kevin Bellmyer from our fine GVPD. City bragging rights were on the line so Mayor Mike Todd entered a team made of his wife Tosha and daughter Harper. The Central Jackson County Fire Protection District (CJCFPD) Team was also seeking bragging rights. Sni-Valley Fire District heard about the competition so Kenny Beal entered the “Beans 911 Team” and “Bonds Dream Team”.
     The judges Tasha Lindsay, Theresa Osenbaugh and Shelia Jones were ready with their spoons, cups, milk, water, crackers and enthusiasm to select the Champion, All-star and the Best Flavor Trophies. After tasting samples from all nine teams the Champion Trophy was awarded to the CJCFPD Team of Mark Clark, Glenn Helverson, Chris Helverson, Chief Jeff Grote. They awarded the All-Star Trophy to Deer Creek Sportsman Club Team, Dave Null.
     The Best Flavor Award was the most difficult for judges so they did a second taste off with two samples and the final judge’s trophy went to “Team Tiffany” Tiffany Null. The sponsors of the Chili Cook-Off, OOIDA and Valley Tax Service gave the Showmanship Trophy to “Team Tiffany” for Kansas City Chiefs themed booth.
     Everyone who purchased a tasting ticket could vote for the People’s Choice Trophy. After tasting the chili at the cook-off they marked their favorite team’s number on back of tickets and deposited the can at ticket desk. The People’s Choice Trophy was awarded to Mayor Mike Todd’s Team.
     Grain Valley Chiropractic LLC and Pathways of Honor feel fortunate that the predicted rain held off until the Chili Cook-Off was finished. A final reminder all funds raised by the event will go to finish construction of the Legacy Plaza Veterans Tribute here in Gran Valley Missouri.
 

     While perhaps not a “household” name, Steven A. Beebe is known worldwide in “communications” circles. Steven, Muriel and Russell Beebe’s third of five children, was born September 19, 1950. He grew up on his family’s farm on Little Road, north of Grain Valley; attended Grain Valley schools K-12 and graduated from GVHS is 1968.
     After graduation, Steven attended Central Missouri State College which became Central Missouri State University in 1972, the year he obtained his B.S. Ed in Communications. He continued his studies there and receive a Masters of Arts before moving on to the University of Missouri in Columbia where he completed his Doctorate of Philosophy. In 1975 he received an Outstanding Teaching Award at Mizzou and in 1976 he was recognized for Scholastic Achievement (Perfect 4.0 Grade Point Average on all graduate course work) at the University.
     Dr. Beebe was a tenured member of the communication faculty at the University of Miami for 10 years prior to joining the faculty at Texas State University in 1990. There he has served as chair of the Department of Communication Studies for 29 years and concurrently as associate dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication for 26 years.
     He has been a visiting scholar at both Oxford and Cambridge Universities and was elected a permanent member of the Common Room of Wolfson College, Oxford University.
     Other leadership roles for Beebe include serving as president of the National Communication Association, the largest professional communication association in the world, founding member of the Russian Communication Association and co-director of the first Russian Communication Association conference held in Pyatigorsk, Russia.
     He has also served as president of the Florida Communication Association.
Dr. Beebe is considered an authority on C. S. Lewis. He made international headlines when he discovered a manuscript written by Lewis that was the partial opening chapter of a book that was to be co-authored with J. R. R. Tolkien about communication (Language and Human Nature. ) while examining Lewis' documents in the Oxford University Bodleian Library.  In 2016 he discovered an unknown poem by Lewis.
     He is author and co-author of 12 books and more than 55 articles and book chapters, plus more than 160 papers and presentations at professional conferences. Steve’s research, with a focus on instructional communication and skill development, has appeared in such journals as Communication Education, Human Communication, Communication Research Reports and several Russian academic journals.
     His alma mater, the University of Central Missouri, named him a Distinguished Alumni in 2010 and the National Speaker’s Association has named him Outstanding Communication Professor in America. In 2003, he and his wife, Susan J. Beebe, set up a scholarship at their alma mater, the University of Central Missouri, for communication students who are also involved in the forensics program.
     Dr. Beebe is a member of the Grain Valley Education Foundation.  If you wish to know more about Steve, just Google him. In this short article I’ve only had space to mention a few of the many honor and awards he has received over the past 40 years.
 

     October 3rd marked the beginning of a new business opening its doors in Grain Valley. Valley Nutrition is owned by Destiny Young. Its purpose is to be a small business with a big vision to help the community become healthier and happier.
     Young grew up in Eastern Jackson County and was inspired to open her business in Grain Valley due to the number of people she knows that reside in the community. One of Young’s motives for opening her business was wanting people to be happier by living healthier through good nutrition.
     “In smaller towns there’s sometimes not an abundance of healthier options in finding a good selection of teas, shakes, or coffees. Our meal replacement smoothies offer 20 grams of protein and are under 250 calories. They are delicious and have received positive feedback so far from our customers,” Young said.
     “We also offer energizing teas and protein coffees, which is helpful in boosting your metabolism and providing clean energy without all the sugar and carbs. Less crashing occurs from this type of energy boost along with providing additional vitamin B6 and B12 to your diet.”
     Valley Nutrition also has comfortable seating options for friends and neighbors to socialize. There are stools in front of the wood accent bar as well as couches and tables. Ambiance is provided by the soft rock played in the background and the welcome sign that greets you upon entry.
     The menu includes a three-step approach to building your ideal drink. Step one is an aloe shot to help with digestion and nutrition absorption. Step two is selecting your tea. Options abound in flavor from original to peach, lemon, raspberry, and cinnamon. You may upgrade your tea to include an energy boost or collagen beauty enhancer. Step three is to select your flavor of shake from the variety of flavors offered under the umbrellas of chocolate, peanut butter, and coffee.
     Prices of menu items vary from $2.50 to $18 depending on your taste and appetite. Colorful names scatter the menu from superheroes to creative spellings of flavors and ingredients to draw interest.
     “We want people to feel powerful and energized when they leave; that they can conquer the day,” Young said.
     Being a new small business owner has a wide range of responsibilities. It can be both risky and rewarding. Young is carrying out a dream she’s had for a long time with the opening of Valley Nutrition and is appreciative of the support she has received from the Grain Valley community so far.
     Young offered, “If people come in and check-in with us on Facebook or tag us on an Instagram story, then they get a free protein ball in their drink for helping us promote our business.”
     Saturday, October 26th will be the grand opening and ribbon cutting for Valley Nutrition from 9am to 3pm. Giveaways, door prizes, and samples will be provided to the public. Valley Nutrition is located at 201 N Main St., Suite B in Grain Valley. They may also be found on Facebook or reached by phone at 863-602-0519.
 

     The Grain Valley Eagles Football team could not overcome the speed and size they faced when they traveled to play the Raytown Blue Jays on Friday, October 4th, falling to the Jays 33-7.
     Raytown utilized an unbalanced formation with sweeps to speedy Senior Wide Receiver Dontae Manning along with deep fade passes by Senior Quarterback Joe Campbell to put up 33 points on the scoreboard. Defensively, the Blue Jays stacked the box with eight defenders against the Eagles in slowing down their running game and applying heavy pass rush pressure.
     The Eagles were able to move the football between the twenties throughout the first half. Drives would stall inside the red zone, including as time expired in the second quarter at the six-yard line following a 20-yard strike through the air from Junior Quarterback Cole Keller to Junior Wide Receiver Parker Bosserman. Grain Valley would go into halftime trailing 13-0 after amassing 134 yards offensively.    
     The start of the second half witnessed the Eagles recovering one of three Blue Jays onside kick attempts for the game. Grain Valley would capitalize on the good field position and drive 42 yards for their only score. Keller followed the lead blocking of Senior Fullback Seth Dankenbring on a six-yard sweep to the end zone.
     Raytown would score three more touchdowns during the final two quarters of the game against a tired Grain Valley defense. The Eagles fought hard to contain the Blue Jays offense.
     Junior Linebacker Hunter Newsom made several key tackles in space and with his teammates. Both Newsom and Junior Defensive Tackle Quincy Jones made tackles for loss during the first half of play at critical times.
     Newsom’s gutsy effort continued into the second half as took on blocks against Raytown’s large offensive line in continuing to set the edge for the Eagles defense. This was done despite being hobbled by an injury to his leg.
     “We had a plan that we executed defensively and practiced all week. We did our best. Later in the second half we lost momentum. We need to work to get better,” Newsom said.
     “We have to play our ball game next week and moving forward without letting an opposing team influence us. If we take care of what we can take care of, we will come out with a win.”
     Other Eagle defenders showing continued growth on the night included Junior Cornerback Trent Knox and Freshman Safety Keegan Hart. Raytown continually tested Knox during the second half on long pass plays his way. Knox responded by flipping his hips and maintaining coverage against Blue Jays receivers, including an incomplete fade pass that saw play spill out on to the stadium track with Knox landing hard prior to getting up for the next down.
     Hart has been thrust into action as a freshman due to injuries. He has responded by being consistent in his reads and not backing down from taking on larger upper classman who he must tackle. Hart has used leverage to wrap up opponents and turn them in his tackle successfully despite being outsized.
     Head Coach David Allie reflected on his team’s efforts after the game.
     “We had success, but they were able to stop us at the right times, and we dealt with penalties on drives. I love the way my team competed against a bigger class school. We would’ve liked to be on the winning side of things. However, I am happy with the way these players fought to the very end and no one gave up or conceded defeat,” Allie said.
     “We will evaluate film and look to fix our inconsistencies. Offensively, we didn’t stay ahead of the chains like we did last week. We had success running iso and down. We must score more, though. We were not able to throw the ball the way we wanted tonight against their man coverage and the pressure they were able to apply. Defensively, we bent but hustled and fought. They had some big plays against us.”
     The Eagles move to a 3-3 record on the season. They will next host the Kearney Bulldogs on Friday, October 11th at 7pm in a Suburban Conference matchup. Kearney will roll into Moody Murray Stadium with a 4-2 record, fresh off a victory the previous week against the Belton Pirates.
     Allie identified keys to victory heading into the game.
     “We can’t lick our wounds. We have to come out and play. Hopefully, we will be better health wise heading into the game against Kearney. They are a good team and a conference opponent. We can’t let one (loss) turn into two. Our kids our tough and will learn what they need to from the loss against Raytown before we get back on track and capture momentum heading into the end of the season,” Allie said.
 

     There’s something magical and wonderful about the changing of the seasons—even if we had to wait until October to experience it this year. Like you, I endured the relentless heat wave wondering if fall was ever going to arrive.
     It was a dark night and I was headed home recently, just having turned onto Bucker Tarsney from Highway 50. Illuminating the otherwise dark road, there stood someone’s beautifully lit home—all aglow in orange.
     The illuminating, warm glow aroused a sensation of warmth and the reminder of wonderful things to come. “Fall has arrived,” I said to myself, smiling, “Pecan pie is just around the corner.”
     My five-year-old grandson loves the fall season and especially loves to decorate. He loves decorating even more than he loves playing Minecraft. One of his favorite phrases when he comes over is, “I want to do fall decorations.”
     He’s extremely artistic and has an eye for beauty. “I put some decorations on your desk,” he’ll say proudly. I smile and say, “Wow, you’re a good decorator!”
     As I sit on the couch in front of my faux fireplace powered by LED technology, I admire the mantle. Greeting me is a miniature, smiling scarecrow, an array of beautifully arranged pumpkins, and a homemade turkey decoration—all courtesy of my grandson, wife, and Hobby Lobby. We have fake leaves growing up our banister rail and even have them over the entrance to the dining room.  
     Throughout the house, we have lanterns, red and gold leaves, and multiple gourds that adorn our living corners. Martha Stewart would be proud.
     Like the mysterious power of the full moon, the entrance of the fall season compels us to do some strange things. Having leaves on the banister rail might seem concerning in other seasons and give rise to the need for me to bring out the weed wacker.
     But, this is fall and somehow, it makes sense. I do enjoy the colors of the season. I am also looking forward to the thought of Thanksgiving and the opportunity to be with family and enjoy wonderful treats.
     But there is one thing about the season that compels me to utter, “bah humbug”. Like clockwork, in late summer, people get a little cra-cra on social media and begin posting their passion for pumpkin spice lattes. To some, pumpkin spice lattes are the unofficial launch of fall.
     If you’re not familiar with the concoction, pumpkin spice is a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice and cloves. Although I like pumpkin and spice—I’m just not a fan of the combination—unless it’s in a pie or other dessert. It’s not that I haven’t tried it. I have. It sounds yummy—it just doesn’t deliver.
     So, where did this obsession with pumpkin spiced lattes come from? The craze didn’t just “organically happen.” Like Frankenstein’s monster, it was birthed deep in a dark, secret laboratory in Seattle complete with scientists, test tubes, pieces and parts. It’s creator: Starbucks.
     In 2002, the java giant envisioned a drink that would embody the fall season and subsequently pad the bank account. Although they tested several seasonal flavors, the pumpkin splice latte was the clear winner.
     The specialty drink was officially launched in 2003 and ever since then, pumpkin spice lattes have been “a thing” and have, in fact, like Frankenstein’s creation, taken on a life of their own, permeating our society and culture. Starbucks has sold more than half-a-billion (yes with a b) pumpkin spice lattes! According to CNN Business, “the pumpkin spice craze isn’t slowing down. Sales for pumpkin-flavored items increased nearly 5% in 2018 to $511.5 million.”
     Over the years, other venues and businesses took notice, hoping to capitalize on the pumpkin spice wave. And now, pumpkin spice flavor is everywhere—even pumpkin spiced teas, pretzels, Cheerios, Oreos, ice cream, and even Cliff bars. Will it ever end?
Thankfully, yes. Of course, like the seasons, fads come and go. Although I am not a prophet, or the son of a prophet, I believe the year 2019 will go down as the year that pumpkin spice died. I say, “good riddance.”
     You’re probably familiar with SPAM. SPAM is short for spiced ham and is produced by Hormel. Did you know there are more than 12 cans of SPAM products devoured every second? In the fall of 2017, Hormel, just trying to be humorous and create some social media buzz, shared a picture of Pumpkin Spice SPAM on their Facebook page. They were honest and confessed that this was not a real product they were selling.
     Not only did the post go viral, but what’s more amazing is that many people commented that they would be interested in such a product. I mean, what else is one expected to eat while sipping on a pumpkin spice latte?
Lo and behold, in August of this year, SPAM proudly announced that they were now producing a legitimate, limited edition, pumpkin spice product for the fall season. You could get your very own pumpkin spiced SPAM—but only through their website and online at Walmart.
     The announcement brought cheers and jeers. However, in less than seven hours on the day of release, SPAM sold out all the product that they had.
     On their comments’ page, one person wrote, “This spam taste like a sweet Christmas ham. It goes very well in a sweet potato hash topped with eggs! I got four cans and I’m saving the last two for Christmas. You should have made more!” Another person said, “I didn’t think I would like it and I thought it would be too sweet, it’s mildly sweet and savory at the same time with a nice aromatic spice... I was lucky to get this as I didn’t know they would sell out like this and not make more. Please spam come out with this again!” Not everyone was a fan. One person wrote, “What madness have you wrought Hormel? This is a crime against nature and man.”
     And just like that, we’ve come to the end of an era—or perhaps an error. Just like Frankenstein’s monster was rejected by his creator, and the general public, people are turning their backs on pumpkin spice. For example, Rasha Ali, in USA Today, wrote, “pumpkin spice isn’t a condiment like ketchup or barbecue sauce; you can’t just slap it on anything you want.”
     For the New York Post, Lauren Steussy chimed in, “in the wake of the Pumpkin Spice Spam, even the PSL’s strongest base is distancing itself from the drink.”
     And so, everything that has a beginning has an end. Naturally, history is best viewed through the rearview mirror, but I believe 2019 will mark the beginning of the necessary death of pumpkin spice.
     Years from now, while my grandson is doing his fall decorations thing with Maw Maw, I will share the tale of this memorable day in history. As I sit by my faux fireplace and celebrate its demise, I’ll smile while I eat my pecan pie and drink my caramel mocha latte.
 
Wayne Geiger is the Pastor of First Baptist Grain Valley, an Adjunct Associate Professor of Speech, and freelance writer. He can be reached at waynegeiger.com.
 

     Not every hero wears a cape. Plan and practice your escape! Central Jackson County Fire Protection District (CJCFPD) would like to promote awareness of National Fire Prevention Week with this motto. The week of October 7th is centered around a campaign that works to educate everyone about the small but important actions that may be taken to keep themselves and those around them safe.
     National Fire Protection Association statistics show that in 2017, U.S. fire departments responded to 357,000 home structure fires. These fires caused 2,630 fire deaths and 10,600 fire injuries. On average, seven people died in a fire in a home per day during 2012 to 2016.
     “These numbers show that home fires continue to pose a significant threat to safety,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy. “In a typical home fire, you have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Escape planning and practice can help you make the most of the time you have, giving everyone enough time to get out.”
     While NFPA and CJCFPD are focusing on home fires, these messages apply to virtually any location.
     “Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go,” said Carli. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.”
     CJCFPD Station Four on Southwest Eagles Parkway was one of the participating stations in the department’s open house on Sunday, October 6th. Residents of the community were invited to stations to meet firefighters, tour facilities, and seek advice for a home escape plan and fire prevention.
     Valley News caught up with Derrick Llewellyn, Captain of Fire Prevention Division for CJCFPD to ask him some tips on fire prevention and safety for residents of Grain Valley to consider.
     “Fall season is upon us. Fire pits are allowed in the City of Grain Valley. It must be contained in a commercial bought box or a brick structure without being openly burned in a yard. Wood (like what you would use in a fireplace) instead of lumber, grass, or leaves is what should be used and fire code states that the fire pits should be contained at least fifteen feet away from a structure,” Llewellyn said.
     “Furnaces will start to be turned on in residences during this season. Everyone should have CO2 detector. Especially, if they have a gas appliance. We see an increase in calls during the fall once people start turning their furnaces on. The CO2 detector should be placed on the highest level of your house. CO2 floats a little bit more than air. We encourage residents to purchase one that is electric with a battery backup if possible. Placing the detector on the wall instead of the ceiling is the appropriate location due to the density of CO2.”
     Other tips suggested in keeping your home and loved ones safe included not using extension cords or power strips with portable furnaces or heaters. They draw so much electricity that they may cause problems. Llewellyn suggested buying or using a portable heater that is UL certified (it should say so on the box and unit) if you choose to use one. They (a UL certified unit) come with an auto shutoff if they get to hot or tip over and they should be plugged directly into the wall outlet.
     Changing your batteries in smoke detectors annually during fall daylight savings time is a good way to sync the coordination of your detectors and clocks. Most people get up on a ladder or stool to change the time on at least one clock where they live. Changing batteries in smoke detectors at the same time gives you peace of mind.
     Valley News also asked Llewellyn what’s one thing that he wished people had empathy for when it comes to firefighters.
     “That’s a good question. In my opinion, I would want our community to be aware that we are constantly having to learn new things regarding not only fire safety, but coordination with law enforcement and other agencies for various emergency scenarios that may arise as well. Professional development for us is ongoing and is ever changing in keeping pace with the world around us. We want to be as prepared as possible to best serve our community,” Llewellyn said.
     To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Grain Valley, please contact CJCFPD at 816-229-2522 or online at www.cjcfpd.org.
     For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and home escape planning, visit www.fpw.org
 

     For most adults, easy access to transportation means the process of getting to and from work, daily errands, and medical appointments is not given much thought.  However, for the elderly, disabled, or those in need for a variety of reasons, wondering how they will get to the grocery store, doctor, or work is a legitimate concern.
     Enter OATS Transit, serving 87 counties in Missouri, including Jackson County. OATS mission is enhancing the quality of life by providing safe, caring, and reliable transportation services. The company celebrated its first anniversary in Grain Valley this June.
     OATS provides a variety of services in the communities they serve, including deviated-fixed routes, medical and dialysis transportation, disability programs, intercity express routes, rural general public transport, senior transportation, and transportation for veterans hospitals and clinics.
     Chris Fox is an OATS Driver in eastern Jackson County. He’s a retired business office manager from AT&T who also served in the Air Force and worked on B-52 bombers during his career. Fox says that his current role with OATS is the most rewarding job he’s ever had.
     “Being able to help folks is important. I come across many people in need who are seeking transportation. Without OATS, I’m not certain what the quality of life would be like for those people. Many don’t have family support or a network of friends to get them where they need to be. This service provides independence for the handicapped or those who don’t have reliable transportation,” Fox said.
     Fox is consistent in greeting everyone with a “good morning” and a smile in those he encounters on his route. Equally as important to him is that everyone is buckled up and that no one has stress about their wheelchair or personal support scooters having to be secured. Fox’s three years of experience as an OATS driver is apparent in the way he navigates the back of the bus with the hydraulic lift and assuring things are locked in place.
     Riding the OATS bus in Grain Valley compared to the neighboring communities of Lee’s Summit and Blue Springs is a bargain.
     “I drive in all three communities. In Lee’s Summit it’s a $1.50 a trip. Blue Springs is $3.00 a trip. Grain Valley is only $1.00 at trip and that’s due to Grain Valley being very generous in its subsidy of the program. That works out well for the residents of this community who need affordable transportation support,” Fox said.
     “Seeing people be able to get out and about and do things that are important to them makes them happy. The mobility that OATS Transit provides helps build community through keeping people socially active and contributing to the economy.”
     Cheri is a retired nurse who resides in eastern Jackson County. She prefers to use the OATS service instead of taking a taxi due to the storage that may be provided on the OATS bus for her personal support scooter. Cheri was one of three passengers on the Grain Valley OATS bus making its rounds on a weekday during the first week of October.
     “I try to book my trips a week ahead. The staff is nice and always patient with me. I don’t have to memorize new routes to the places I travel or deal with road construction,” Cheri said.
     “As you get older and your driving privileges are restricted or taken away due to cataracts or medical concerns, having a service like this is a necessity. My stress is reduced because this is a part of my life.”
     OATS provides door to door service from residence to destination. Those interested in using the OATS bus service may contact the local office at 816-380-7433. It is recommended that a phone call is placed the day before a trip is needed. How to ride an OATS bus as well as other frequently asked questions may be answered by visiting https://www.oatstransit.org/ride
 

​     The Grain Valley Boys Swim and Dive team competed at the 2019 COMO Invite in Columbia, Missouri on Saturday, September 28th. Several personal best times were posted by Eagle swimmers, including Wyatt Huffman. The senior would go onto a 4th place finish and his personal best time in the 100 Freestyle.
     Eagles Head Swim and Dive Coach Kara Liddle continues to be impressed by the progress of her squad.
     “We have had a great season so far. All the boys are working hard day in and day out and it’s paying off in the pool. I was very excited for the boys to have the opportunity to compete at the COMO Invite at the Mizzou Aquatic Center. Many of the top teams in both classes were present at this meet and it was a great experience for everyone,” Liddle said.
     “This is the toughest part of the season both mentally and physically. These boys are tired but dedicated to coming to practice each day and working their hardest in the pool and on the board. I’m excited to see their hard work pay off at Conference and State.”
     Sophomore diver Eli Hendricks qualified for State at the Eagles first meet of the season with a score of 250.05. Huffman has qualified in the 100 Freestyle and is getting closer in several other events through shaving time. 
     Liddle is also excited by the progress of the team’s 400 Meter Free Relay. They continue to drop time each week and has a target of qualifying for state.
     “Our goal is for all of our State athletes to return this year as well,” Liddle said.