by Michael Smith
 
     One of the goals for the Grain Valley boys cross country team was to qualify for the Missouri State High School Cross Country Championships.
     The Eagles had to accomplish that against a tough field at the Class 5 District 4 meet Saturday at Jesse James Park in Kearney.
     While they fell short of their ultimate goal, Grain Valley did the next best thing by qualifying three of their runners – Carson Hill, Rylan Smith and Landon Barnes all punched their ticket to Columbia by finishing in the top 30.
     “Coming and looking at the rankings, we knew it was going to be close with some of those guys,” Grain Valley head coach Nick Small said. “They really stepped up today. They came up big in a tough district.”
     As a team, Grain Valley finished sixth as a team with 146 points. Liberty North won with 25 points.
     Carson Hill, who started his season late because of a knee injury, was sharp during the district race as he took 10th with a time of 16:38.30.
     “I am very happy with my race,” Hill said. “This is the best race I have had in a while. I have recovered (from the injury). I am just getting back to fitness.”
     Smith will be joining Hill at state for the first time as this is his first year running cross country. He was 23rd at 17:02.69.
    “I kind of knew I was going to make it,” Smith said. “I am excited. I had a dog mentality going into it.”
     Barnes just made the cut with a 28th-place finish with a time of 17:11.37.
     “It was really close, too close for comfort,” Barnes said. “There’s a really bad hill there at the end. But I am really excited that I made it.
     “My time was all right. This course is really hard so I probably wasn’t (going to get a personal record).”
     Finishing outside the top 30 for the boys were Adrian Bobzien (17;33.42, 41st), Landon Blew (17:42.65, 46th) and Nathan Allen (18:11.31, 62nd).
     For the girls, no one was able to push through the state field as the Eagles finished eighth with 239 points. Blue Springs won with 69 points.
     Competing for the girls were Jordan Gossage (43rd, 21:27.20), Amyah Graybill (45th, 21:34.52), Kayley Bell (44th, 21:34.87), Lexie Nicholson (50th, 21:47.07), Braylin Larkin (66th, 22:47.94), Kelli Stevens (67th, 22:49.08) and Taylor Nicholson (83rd, 23:38.06).
     “As far as placing, we have had better team finishes,” Small said. “But this was the best race of the girls’ season. They came ready to compete and they put themselves in a position to do something. They had no business even really racing where they did. They stepped up. They were just a little off.”

​Coleman’s Election Information:
     Please find below a detail summary of the amendments that will appear on the ballot on November 8, 2022, General Election Ballot. I encourage everyone to review and research these amendments, and to vote the way their conscience dictates. We live in a blessed country where we have an active role in what we want to see and demand from our leaders and constitution.
 
Constitutional Amendment 1
     This constitutional amendment, if approved by the voters, modifies the powers of the State Treasurer. Specifically, the State Treasurer is required to invest certain state moneys in:
     Missouri banking institutions selected by the State Treasurer and approved by the Governor and State Auditor; or
Obligations of the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof maturing and becoming payable not more than seven years from the date of purchase.
      The amendment additionally authorizes the State Treasurer to invest in:
Municipal securities possessing one of the five highest long term ratings or the highest short term rating issued by a nationally recognized rating agency and maturing and becoming payable not more than five years from the date of purchase; and
     Other reasonable and prudent financial instruments and securities as otherwise provided by law.
 
Constitutional Amendment 3
     This constitutional amendment makes various modifications to the regulation of marijuana. See the below summary for a more detailed description.
 
Constitutional Amendment 4
     Under current law, the General Assembly cannot require a city to increase an activity or service beyond that required by existing law, unless a state appropriation is made to pay the city for any increase costs. This constitutional amendment, if approved by the voters, provides an exception to allow for a law that increases minimum funding, if increased before December 31, 2026, for a police force established by a state board of police commissioners to ensure they have additional resources to serve their communities.
 
Constitutional Amendment 5
     This constitutional amendment, if approved by the voters, creates the Missouri Department of the National Guard, which shall consist of the Adjutant General and shall administer the militia, uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of Missouri, and provide for other defense and security mechanisms.
 
Question on Convening Constitutional Convention
     Every 20 years, the Missouri Constitution requires a question be submitted to the voters inquiring whether a constitutional convention shall be held for the purpose of revising and amending the state constitution. A "yes" vote would support calling a constitutional convention. A "no" vote would oppose calling a constitutional convention.
 
Amendment 3 modifies the state's current medical marijuana program in several ways, including:
     Permitting nurse practitioners to determine if a patient has a qualifying medical condition for medical marijuana use;
     Modifying existing definitions for the various licensed facilities and medical marijuana products;
     Repealing the existing scoring system for facility applicants and replacing it with a lottery selection process in cases when more applicants apply than the constitutional minimum;
     Limiting regulations governing medical marijuana product advertising to those no more stringent than comparable regulations for alcohol sales;
Modifying provisions relating to public records retained under these provision;
     Adding a reasonable cure period of at least 30 days prior to a suspension or revocation of a license or certificate;
     Limiting an entity or entities under substantially common control, ownership, or management to not more than 10% ownership of the total marijuana facility licenses in each category of license for both medical and comprehensive (non-medical) facilities;
     Modifying the number of marijuana plants a qualifying patient or primary caregiver may have for personal use to include non-flowering plants and clones, as well as increasing the limit on purchased medical marijuana from 4 ounces to 6 ounces of dried, unprocessed marijuana in a 30-day period, with exceptions as specified in the amendment;
     Modifying the offense of purposeful possession in excess of twice the legal limit from a year in prison and a fine of up to $2,000 to an infraction;
     Modifying the qualifying patient and primary caregiver identification card fees and renewal requirements;
     Modifying language relating to the collection of a retail sales tax on medical marijuana, including adding a provision modifying certain taxpayers' state adjusted gross income as it relates to medical marijuana;
     Permitting non-resident patients to purchase medical marijuana if authorized by that patient's state or political subdivision of that state;
     Modifying provisions relating to disciplinary actions against attorneys involved in medical marijuana businesses;
     Adding provisions relating to medical marijuana patients and civil and criminal procedures, including search and arrest warrants, pre-trial release or probation, family courts, child custody, and the right to bear arms; 
     Modifying penalties relating to violations of these provisions; and
Adding provisions relating to the applicability of this language in the event of federal legalization of marijuana.
 
Comprehensive (non-medical) marijuana
     This amendment establishes a framework for the legal cultivation, production, sale, and use of non-medical marijuana for Missouri adults 21 years of age or older. The Department of
Health and Senior Services shall grant licenses or certificates for comprehensive marijuana cultivation, manufacturing, and dispensary facilities, testing facilities, and microbusiness wholesale and dispensary facilities, as specified in the amendment. Licenses for such facilities shall be established by a lottery system, except that any entity holding a medical marijuana facility license shall have the right to convert such medical marijuana facility license into the equivalent comprehensive facility license. Such converted licenses shall be the only licenses granted, excluding any microbusiness licenses, within the first 548 days after the Department begins to issue comprehensive marijuana licenses. If the number of comprehensive licenses falls below the constitutional minimum, the Department shall award by lottery at least 50% of any new licenses to microbusiness license holders who have been in operation for at least one year and who are otherwise qualified.
     Comprehensive license holders licensed to distribute marijuana to non-medical consumers may also distribute marijuana to qualifying patients and primary caregivers. The Department may limit the amount of marijuana that may be purchased in one transaction by a non-medical marijuana consumer, provided that the limitation shall not be less than 3 ounces of dried, unprocessed marijuana or its equivalent. Additionally, individuals may apply for and receive a registration card with the Department for personal cultivation of marijuana in accordance with the limits set forth in the amendment.
     Entities seeking a microbusiness license may only obtain one license, either a dispensary or wholesale facility, and may not hold a comprehensive or medical facility license at the same time. Microbusinesses may only do business with other microbusinesses or qualified patients, primary caregivers, or consumers, as specified in the act. Applicants for microbusiness licenses shall meet at least one of several specified qualifications, including those of net worth, disability, region, or education. At least 6 microbusiness facility licenses shall be granted initially, with that number expanding over time and in accordance with demand.
     Non-medical marijuana sold to consumers shall be subject to a 6% sales tax, which shall be used to fund the regulatory program, expungement proceedings relating to marijuana offenses, and programs for veterans, drug addiction treatment, and public defenders.
     A local government may prohibit dispensary facilities from operating in that jurisdiction through a ballot question to the voters. Additionally, local governments may impose an additional sales tax on adult use marijuana of not more than 3% upon voter approval.
     This amendment establishes an expungement process for marijuana offenses, in addition to other provisions relating to warrants and searches, product labeling and advertising, and penalties for violations of this amendment.
     Finally, this amendment prohibits conduct permitted under this amendment from being the basis of detention, searches, or arrests; denial of eligibility in public assistance programs; denial of the right to keep and bear arms; and denial of parental rights, custody, or visitation of a minor child.
      Please let me know If you have other concerns and suggestions.  If you would like to schedule a specific time to meet locally, please call my office at 573-751-1487, or email my office at [email protected]. 
 

     The City of Grain Valley is hosting Downtown Spooktacular on Friday, October 28th. Festivities include a Witches and Wizards Walk, entertainment, and trick-or-treating sponsored by local businesses and community organizations. 
     The Witches and Wizards Walk will begin at 6:00pm. Participants are encouraged to assemble at Armstrong Park at 5:45pm for some witchy warmups. Participants will then march down Main Street and gather at the stage for the opening ceremony. 
     Those not participating in the Witches and Wizards Walk may attend the Downtown Spooktacular from 6:30pm and will run through 8:30pm.
     For parking, restroom locations, and a tentative schedule for the night, visit: bit.ly/3r7sWco

by Jason Hancock, Missouri Independent (www.missouriindependent.com) 

     A new report released this week documents the impact of COVID-19 on student performance in Missouri, with test scores for math and reading dropping from pre-pandemic levels. 
     The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) assesses students in fourth and eighth grades throughout the nation in math and reading every two years, though its 2021 assessment was delayed until this year because of the pandemic. 
     Missouri’s scores mirror those of most other states, with decreases in both math and reading for both grade levels from the 2019 assessment.
     The percentage of Missouri eighth graders who performed at or above the proficient level in math was only 24%, down from 32% in 2019 and only slightly higher than the 21% from the 2000 assessment. 
     Reading scores were not much better, with only 28% of students at or above proficient, compared to 33% in 2019.
     For fourth graders, 34% tested at or above proficient in math compared to 39% in 2019 and 23% in 2020. In reading, 30% tested at or above proficient, compared to 34% in 2019 and 28% in 1998. 
     The report also shows a performance gap between white and Black students in Missouri. Black fourth grade students, for example, had an average score in math that was 36 points lower than that for white students.
     “The results serve as another indicator that high-quality instruction matters,” Missouri Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven, said in a statement. 
     “It’s clear that the pandemic had an impact on student learning and that there is work to do. We must use this information,” Vandeven said, “alongside state and local metrics, to continue accelerating post-pandemic learning with improved systems and processes to meet the needs of each student.”
     The NAEP is not the first data showing student performance was impacted by the pandemic. 
In August, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released preliminary test scores for the 2021-22 school year showing that, just like last year, fewer than half of Missouri students statewide passed with proficient and advanced scores across subjects.
     There were small improvements compared to results from the 2020-21 school year, with 39% of students proficient or advanced in math — an increase in four percentage points, and 38% of students proficient or advanced in science — an increase of one percentage point. However both scores remained below the 42% of students testing proficient or advanced in both subjects in 2019. 
     Meanwhile, students’ performance slightly declined in English language arts, with a 2 percentage point drop to 43% compared to last year. In social studies, ​​40% of students tested proficient or advanced.
​

     (StatePoint) Diabetes can impact the body in a number of ways, especially creating potentially serious complications for your feet.
     “Foot care is a central component of overall diabetes care,” says Bryce Paschold, DPM, FACFAS, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and a fellow member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. “Without precautions, even small foot problems can lead to amputation or be life-threatening.”
     To help those living with diabetes understand potential complications and how to avoid them, ACFAS is sharing these important insights:

Potential Complications
     Nerve damage that affects arms, hands, legs and feet known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy not only makes you more likely to experience numbness, burning, and loss of your protective sensation, but losing sensation in your feet can also make it easier to miss common minor skin pathologies and other foot issues while they’re still relatively easy to treat.
     With diabetes, the blood vessels below the knee often become narrow and restrict blood flow, causing infections that don’t heal. This common and serious complication can lead to the loss of your foot, leg or your life.
     Stress fractures and sprains are commonplace among all athletes, but those living with diabetes who experience neuropathy are more likely to be unaware of foot and ankle injuries and exacerbate them by continuing their activities.
     While still relatively rare, Charcot foot seems to be growing in prevalence as more Americans develop diabetes. This sudden destruction and erosion of the foot’s bones, caused by severe nerve damage, can trigger an avalanche of problems, including joint loss, fractures, collapse of the arch, massive deformity, ulcers, amputation and even death. Symptoms appear suddenly and include warm and red skin, and swelling, but commonly without pain.

Prevention

You can play a vital role in reducing your risk for complications. Here’s how:

• Inspect feet daily. Check for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling and nail problems. Use a magnifying mirror to look at the bottom of your feet. If you need assistance, have someone else do it for you. Be proactive by knowing what is going on with your feet on a daily basis.

• Don’t ignore pain. Seek care immediately if you experience pain in your leg at night or with little activity. It could mean you have a blocked artery.

• Don’t perform “bathroom surgery.” Never trim calluses or corns yourself, and don’t use over-the-counter medicated pads. See a foot and ankle surgeon for proper treatment.

• Keep floors clear. To prevent injury, make sure no needles, insulin syringes or other sharp objects are on the floor. You should also always wear shoes, indoors and outdoors.

• Prevent Irritation. Shake shoes free of small objects you may not be able to feel and ensure your socks aren’t bunched up. Wear lighter colored socks so you’ll notice blood or drainage if they occur.

• Be temperature aware. Never use heating pads, hot water bottles, ice or electric blankets, and never put your feet in hot water without testing the temperature; you can easily burn your feet without noticing.

• Stay active. Improve circulation by wiggling your toes and moving your ankles for five minutes, two to three times a day.

• Control blood sugar levels. Good diabetes management reduces your risk of developing complications.

• Book an appointment. Visit a foot and ankle surgeon to determine if you have lost any feeling or circulation. Periodic foot exams can also help prevent complications. “Advanced therapies for foot wounds, such as the use of bioengineered skin substitutes and negative pressure wound therapy, are saving limbs and restoring mobility for people who suffer from nonhealing foot ulcers,” says Dr. Paschold.

     For more information and to find a foot and ankle surgeon near you, visit FootHealthFacts.org, the patient education website for the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

     Grain Valley junior Kollin Hansuld is looking to make a return trip to the Missouri State High School Boys Swimming and Diving Championships this season.
     It will start with him attempting to qualify at the district diving event next week.
     His performance at the Suburban Conference Diving Championships Thursday at Belton High School might be a good indication that he has a solid chance of punching his ticket to the state competition.
     The junior took first place in the Suburban White Conference out of four divers with an 11-dive score of 343.85. He was fourth among all Suburban Conference divers.
     “This was a big goal I set at the beginning of the year,” Hansuld said of winning the conference diving title. “Up next is to just get ready for districts.”
     “I just have to listen to my coaches and I will be all right.”
     In practice, Hansuld said he has been working on “the little things” like the hurdle, the rotation and the entry. He said he has been working on his reverse 1 ½ and front 2/12 twister. He said his best dives were the inward 1 ½ and the back 1 ½.
     “I can do those dives any day. Those are easy for me,” Hansuld said of the inward 1 ½ and the back 1 ½.
His teammate, freshman Gage Wright, will be joining him at districts.
     He took second in the conference and finished sixth among all divers with a score of 329.30. His best dive was the reverse 1 ½ pike.
     “I was really surprised on that dive,” Wright said. “I did a good job on it. That’s the first time I have done that dive at the meet.”
      The freshman said he is confident he can make it state if he puts in the proper work. Another goal of  his is to increase the difficulty of his dives so he can achieve higher scores.”
     “I think I can,” Wright said. “I will have to put some extra work in.”
     The other Eagle to compete Thursday was Riley Strickland, who was fourth in the conference with a score of 189.90.
 

​Grain Valley junior Kollin Hansuld too first place in the Suburban White Conference driving meet with a score of 343.85. Photo credit: Michael Smith

by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society
 
     Last week my book club discussed Eileen Garvin’s novel, The Music of Bees. The question was asked, “Do you know anyone who raised bees?” While I would be the first to admit I knew and still know people who raised bees, I’d also be the first to admit, I knew nothing about the process.
      My Grandmother Rumbo had a beehive behind the smokehouse at her home on Walnut Street in Grain Valley. So did her neighbor, Rhodie Pearson. I can recall from my youth several beehives in our town. I was afraid to walk down the alley between Walnut and Front Street west of the old Methodist Church.  At certain times of the year bees swarmed there and I had a fear of being stung.
             By the 1950s, bees were more of a hobby. Some years, depending on the forage and flowers the hives had honey, some years they did not.  I can only recall once, perhaps twice, when an old cake pan would set on Grandma’s kitchen cabinet with a honeycomb and dripping honey. (I thought it was gross!) Many years earlier, the beehives around town were probably there by necessity. Because sugar was in great shortage during the depression and rationed during World War II, I suspect many residents saw honey as a luxury during those years.
             Did you know that in 1926, Jackson County was one of the largest producers of honey in Missouri? It was stated that there was almost no cost in the raising of nectar honey and neither did it require a lot of land--only enough on which to set the hives. The bees ranged from one to five miles and gathered pollen from the plentiful wild flowers, clover and alfalfa. (Sni-A-Bar Farms provided plenty of the latter.) The average production throughout the county was from 60 to 200 pounds per hive taken from approximately 2,500 colonies. There were between 65,000 bees in the smaller colonies to as many as 200,000 in the larger hives.
             In 1926, beekeepers in the Grain Valley area included Ms. Vivian Hall with 10 hives, F. W. Sellmeyer with 4 hives, T.J. Corn with 22 hives, C.O. Webb with 20 hives, Major Luther with 12 hives, and Mrs. H. M. Hannon with 12 hives.
     Missouri’s annual honey yield comes from beekeepers, apiaries, and honey farms of all shapes and sizes. Many of them are large businesses and professional companies, of course, but at the same time, much of Missouri’s honey is produced by hobbyists and small local businesses
     Although its honey production is not as high as it once was, Missouri produces a notable amount of honey each year. A report by the US Department of Agriculture found that Missouri bees had produced more than 400,000 pounds of honey in 2018.

       Owen White had a Senior Night to remember.
     The midfielder for the Grain Valley soccer team was involved in every Eagle goal in Wednesday’s Suburban White Conference matchup with Belton.
     White had a goal, an assist, and a free kick that resulted in an own goal for Belton as he led Grain Valley to a 3-1 victory at Moody Murry Memorial Field.
     “It was a very emotional night,” White said. “I have been very close to this family all this time. Last games are very special to me and I just wanted to put my all into it.”
     That is what it looked like early on as White got the assist on Grain Valley’s first goal. In the 25th minute, he sent a long-distance rainbow pass inside the box and junior defender Isaiah Johnson hit a shot as the ball was in mid-air and put it in for a 1-0 lead.
     “I saw him set up to take the kick and I thought, ‘I know this is going in,’” Johnson said. “He sends the best balls and I just went and a flicked it in.”
     About 6 minutes later, White had a free kick that got deep in the Belton 18-yard box. A pair of Belton players tried to clear the ball but ended up knocking it into their own net for an own goal, giving the Eagles a 2-0 advantage.
     The Eagles (12-6, 6-2) dominated possession in the first half, holding a 5-1 edge in shots on goal. In the second half, it was more of the same as they won the shots-on-goal battle 4-1. However, the one shot on goal form Belton went in as Zach Lattimer had a free kick from about 30 yards out that hit off the bottom of the crossbar and barely crossed the goal line that helped the Pirates narrow the gap to 2-1 in the 68th minute.
     White then capped off his special senior night by putting the game away late in the second half when he had a free kick from the far left side of the field, parallel to the left side of the Belton penalty box. He perfectly placed the ball inside the right post for Grain Valley’s third goal.
     The senior has emerged as a go-to scorer for Grain Valley as he leads the team in goals and assists according to head coach Brett Lewis.
     “This is the third year (White) has been with us and we always knew he could score,” said Lewis, whose team has won eight out of their last nine games. “This is his second year being in that attacking center-midfielder role. He’s flourished in it. He’s scored a lot of goals.
     “We have had a lot of other players step up, too. (White) is always going to get his goals. He has created some chances for his teammates, too. Chase Simpson has stepped up and scored some goals, Braxton Roach has scored some goals and Ethan Galvan has, too.”
     White noted that the season he had as a junior helped him emerge as one of the best offensive weapons on the team.
     “Last year, I think I separated myself from the group by scoring all those goals,” White said. With the help of everyone else, I get goals.”
     Grain Valley has some momentum going into the Class 3 District 7 tournament as it will be the No. 3 seed. The Eagles will take on Raytown South in the first round at 2 p.m. Saturday.
     “We have some film on them and we know they have some really good players we need to be aware of,” Lewis said of the Cardinals. “But I feel like as a team, we are capable of going out there and taking care of business.”

     Jackson County will host its first-ever Vendor Diversity Outreach Forum on Thursday, October 27, 2022 from 5:30pm– 7:00pm at JE Dunn Construction, 1001 Locust ST, KCMO. This free event will show how easy it is to do business with the County, with a specific focus on increasing awareness of contract opportunities for minority, women and veteran-owned business enterprises, trade partners, suppliers and vendors.
     There will be information and resources, including the opportunity for businesses to network and get answers to their questions. All interested businesses should RSVP their attendance to [email protected]. A flyer is attached to share with your networks in an effort to encourage participation.
     “We are proud of the progress we have made to increase our ability to engage with more diverse businesses, specifically through the launch of a new software system that improves efficiency, transparency and communication in our available contracts,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said. “This forum is a chance for our minority, women and veteran business owners to see that first-hand in an effort to strengthen relationships, create job opportunities and build economic equity in our community.”
     “Our diversity-owned businesses bring significant value to our community and it has always been a priority of mine to ensure they are educated on our procurement practices to successfully compete in the marketplace,” 2nd District Jackson County Legislator Ron Finley said. “I am excited about the connections, guidance and support this forum will provide them as part of the County’s ongoing commitment to fairness, equity and inclusion.”

​

 
The following information is derived from Grain Valley Police Department daily calls service log for the week of October 19-25, 2022.

October 19, 2022
NW Valley Woods Drive-Butterfly Trail
Suspicious Person

700 Block of Main
Citizen Contact-Additional Info on a Burglary

200 Block of NW Jefferson ST
Stolen Auto

1300 Block of NW Jefferson ST
Alarm

700 Block of Meadowood DR
Suspicious Activity

1200 Block of Pamela BLVD
Stolen Auto

1100 Block of Bush DR 
Stolen Auto

1400 Block of Sw Minter Way
Unattended Death

BB South of RD Mize
Debris In Roadway

1400 Block of Hilltop
VIN Verification

700 Block of Main
Assault

700 Block of NW Scenic LN
Homicide

 
October 20, 2022
700 Block of SW Graystone Dr
Motor Vehicle Accident

800 Block of SW LeeAnn Dr
Open Door

800 Block of NW Hickory Ridge Dr
Stealing

Eagles & Kirby
Motor Vehicle Accident

900 Block of SW Sandy LN
Welfare Check

Eagles & Garden
Roadway Debris

700 Block Of NW Scenic
Citizen Contact

700 Block of Main
Motor Vehicle Accident

NW Bailey and Rust Rd
Motor Vehicle Accident

 
October 21, 2022
Broadway & Valley
Animal At Large

500 Block of SW Meadowood
Harassment

1100 Block of Christie LN
Motor Vehicle Accident

300 Block of Eagles PKWY
Verbal Disturbance

500 Block of Meadowood DR
Verbal Disturbance

BB & McQuerry
Area Check

1500 Block of Eagle Ridge
Area Check

700 Block of Main
Found Property

700 Block of Scenic LN
Civil Standby

31000 Block of E Blue Mills RD
Agency Assist-Jackson County SD

100 Block of SW Rock Creek
Alarm

 
October 22, 2022
700 Block of Main
Warrant Check

Rosewood & Hedgewood
Suspicious Auto

800 Block of Country Hill DR
Parking Complaint

700 Block of Foxtail DR
Noise Complaint

1000 Block of Stoneypoint
Verbal Disturbance

600 Block of Crestview
Verbal Disturbance

1300 Block of RD Mize
Welfare Check

1200 Block of NW Phelps DR
Property Damage

300 Block of Lela LN
Agency Assist- Buckner PD

1200 Block of NW Hickory CT
Burglary

700 Block of Main
Warrant Confirmation

700 Block of Main
Walk-In Lost Property

300 Block of SW Eagles
Burglary

1200 Block of NW Phelps DR
Agency Assist-DFS

800 Block of SW Montana Ridge DR
Agency Assist-DFS

 
October 23, 2022
800 Block of Country Hill DR
Parking Complaint

Cross Creek & August
Suspicious Auto

1000 Block of Stoneypoint
Area Check

900 Block of SW Sandy LN
Citizen Contact-Animal Control

1300 Block of NW Jefferson ST
Alarm

800 Block of SW Lee Ann DR
Found Property

500 Block of SW Brome DR
Lost Dog

900 Block of NW Scenic DR
Disturbance

1100 Block of Christie LN
Abandoned Auto

700 Block of N Main
Harassment

1200 Block of NW Long
Burglary

400 Block of James Rollo
Citizen Contact

 
October 24, 2022
US 40 Hwy & E. E. Kirby Rd
Motor Vehicle Accident

PDHQ
Confirmed Recovery - Stolen Plate

1200 Block of Hickory
Citizen Contact

1300 Block of Valley Woods Ct
Abandoned Auto

100 Block of Royer Ln
Funeral Escort

1300 Block of Ashley Dr
Civil Matter

PDHQ
Citizen Contact-via phone-Suspicious Activity

700 Block of N Main
Citizen Contact

 
October 25, 2022
Buckner Tarsney & 40 Hwy
Motor Vehicle Accident

900 Block of NW Persimmon
Found Property

500 Block of Willow
Welfare Check

 
Additional calls for service:
Suicidal Subject: 4
Domestic Violence : 1

     Fall is a great time of the year with a chill in the air, football season, and the trees putting on their annual autumn show. Hopefully, our current drought conditions won’t mute the autumn colors. As you are beginning to think about the holidays, remember that now is the time to do some planning about your year-end giving and how it may impact your taxes. I know none of us like to think about taxes; however, smart planning now can help you reduce your tax burden while supporting your favorite charities.
     Your tax professional can help you calculate your potential itemized deductions to see where they are compared to the standard deduction which was raised in 2017 and indexed. The standard deduction for single taxpayers is $12,950 in 2022, and for married individuals filing jointly the standard deduction is $25,900.
     Earlier this year, one of my columns discussed charitable bunching, a strategy that can assist with year-end tax planning. Charitable bunching is when you group the contributions you intend to make over a period of years into one large donation to a Donor Advised Fund (DAF). In the year you make your "bunched" donation, you will be able to itemize your tax return and enjoy a larger deduction. In the years you do not bunch contributions, you will continue to make regular donations to your favorite charities through your DAF and claim the standard deduction on your taxes. This method allows you to continue to support your favorite charities while maximizing the tax benefit of your charitable contributions.
     Another way to maximize your charitable impact while minimizing your tax burden is to donate appreciated non-cash assets such as stocks (held more than one year). The current stock market environment is certainly making it a challenge to identify appreciated securities in your portfolio. Assuming you still have some, they can be donated to a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) or directly to your chosen nonprofit organization. By donating the asset itself, rather than donating the proceeds from the asset's sale, you can eliminate capital gains tax on the gift and get an itemized deduction for the value of the donation. As long as the nonprofit accepts your asset type, it is a win for you and the charity.  
     With a Donor Advised Fund, you can make tax-deductible contributions of cash or non-cash assets at any time. Community Foundations are uniquely positioned to accept many different gifts, including appreciated securities, cryptocurrency, and real estate. All donations to DAF funds made by December 31 are eligible for a 2022 tax deduction. Once your DAF is established (with as little as a $5,000 initial contribution), you can start making grants immediately or wait until the timing is right for you. And if you manage all your charitable giving through your DAF, the only receipts you need at tax time are for the gifts into your fund. You won’t have to track down tax receipts from multiple charities to give to your tax preparer.
     If you have an IRA and are over the age of 70 ½, making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA directly to a charity is a tax-wise way to give, as well. RMDs now apply to those over 72 ½, but the QCD can still be made at 70 ½. A QCD will count towards your RMD, and you won't pay taxes on the withdrawal. It’s a smart way to avoid ordinary income tax on withdrawals from your IRA while supporting your favorite charities. Unfortunately, current rules don’t allow QCDs to a DAF, but they may be made to a scholarship fund or designated fund.
     While none of us like to think about taxes, taking a little time now to do some smart planning will enable you to support your favorite charities and reduce your tax burden. Let us know if you would like more information about charitable giving and year-end tax planning. 

     We mournfully announce the passing of Dale Myard Eisele of Grain Valley, Missouri on October 22, 2022 after a protracted illness.  Dale was born on June 22, 1958, to Leonard Eisele and Martha Ruff Eisele who preceded him in death.
     Dale graduated from Valley Falls High School, attended Colby Community College, Kansas University, and in 1990 received a BA from the University of Missouri.  He brought a high level of curiosity and attention to detail when working as a risk management insurance agent in Kansas City.
     While Dale never married, he lived a full life before his illness.  Dale was a passionate gardener, sharing fruits and vegetables with friends and neighbors.  He loved 60’s rock and roll, gospel music and was an avid historian.  He researched newspapers and called local historians to write a book featuring Missouri ghost towns.
     Survivors include his brother James Eisele of Lawrence, Kansas, and sister, Maxine Eisele of St. Louis, Missouri, nephews Robert and Ryan Eisele, Nikolas Swider and niece, Aniela Swider.
     Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. October 28, 2022, at Memorial Park Cemetery 1517 E. 15th St. Lawrence, KS.  The family will greet friends at noon on Friday prior to graveside at Warren-McElwain Mortuary 120 W. 13th St. Lawrence, KS.
 
     For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.

     The importance of senior Adelyn Bybee cannot be understated for the Grain Valley volleyball team.
     Not only is she a senior leader for the Eagles, she is their top kills leader and a strong server.
     Late in the third set of the Class 4 District 7 semifinal match with St. Michael The Archangel Catholic, the Eagles suffered a heartbreaker as Bybee landed awkwardly on her right leg on a block attempt and injured her ankle.
     In tears, the senior was writhing in pain, holding her right ankle as the St. Michael trainer was tending to her injury. She had to be helped to the sidelines as she was out for the rest of the game while getting an ice pack applied to her ankle.
     St. Micahel went up 24-22 on the play and eventually won the third set and went up 2-1 going into the fourth set. It was a moment the Eagles could have folded after an important piece to the team went down to injury. They did not as they fought hard, to force a fifth set, but the Guardians came up with key points down the stretch to end the Eagles season following a 25-14, 19-25, 24-26, 25-19, 13-15 loss Saturday at St. Michael The Archangel Catholic High School.
     “It’s terrible for a senior, in potentially the last game, to go down,” Grain Valley head coach Tori Squiers said. “That was really hard and it hit a lot of girls' hearts. They wanted to do it for Addy. Everyone wanted it for themselves and the team.”
     “Two girls came in and stepped up, Allison Schafer and Olivia Dickson and they did their jobs.”
     Following the Bybee injury, Grain Valley battled back to tie the third set at 24-all after scoring the next two points, but an out-of-bounds serve by the Eagles and kill senior outside hitter Remi Covinski gave the Guardians the third set.
     Grain Valley did not go away quietly, however. Late in the fourth set, the score was tied at 19-19, but behind the serving of junior setter Allison Koepkey, Grain Valley went on a 6-0 run to win the set 25-19. The spurt included an ace from Koepkey dropped just inside the back line.
     In the absence of one of the best front line players, sophomore outside hitter Kayla Gallagher stepped up for the Eagles in a big way by accumulating a game-high 14 kills, including five in the fifth and deciding set. She had a kill and two aces that helped Grain Valley go on a 3-0 run that put it up 10-9.
     “I am excited to have Kayla Gallagher for another two years,” Squiers said. “She’s really stepped up this year. Earlier in the season, she was voted as a team captain. She’s continued to surprise and hit expectations every single day. She has great potential for sure.”
     However, St. Michael junior Lily Vanbebber led a comeback for the Guardians (26-5-1) as she got two critical kills down the stretch, including the game-winner that painted the back left corner of Grain Valley’s side of the court following a long rally, ending the Eagles season.
     Grain Valley got strong performances from multiple players, including junior Izabella West, who had nine kills. She tied Bybee with four kills in the first set to help the Eagles win that one 25-14. She also had a team high three aces.
     “She has the highest vertical on the team,” Squiers said of West. “She is just one of our best defensive players. She is all over the floor. She’s the fastest kid on the team. Her athletic ability is outstanding. The future is bright.”
     Following the loss, the Eagles will say goodbye to four seniors, including Bybee, who will play volleyball at Baker University next year.
     “I think this team was something special with energy and teamwork,” Squiers said. “We got along and that’s important.” 

      Grain Valley junior Ty Williams doesn’t like fumbling the ball.
     That is evident when he is on the football field as he always puts two hands on the ball when quarterback Caleb Larson hands it to him.
     Even while being careful, the junior always has the potential to break off big runs.
      He did exactly that in Friday’s Suburban White Conference matchup with Raytown as he exploded for 160 yards and three touchdowns on 11 carries to help his team earn a 28-14 victory at Moody Murry Memorial Field.
     “I just don’t want to fumble the ball so I put two hands on the ball,” Williams said. “When no one is around me, that’s when I go to one arm and start pumping. That ball is the most valuable thing on the field, so I don’t want to lose it.”
     With the win, the Eagles (7-2) won the Suburban White Conference with a 4-0 league record. Not only that, they earned the No. 1 seed in the Class 5 District 7 tournament and will get a first-round bye.
     “We got a couple linebackers banged up,” Grain Valley head coach David Allie said. “It’s nice to have that time off and heal a little bit.”
     Even while using two hands to carry the football, Williams still broke four runs of more than 10 yards.
     “We were minus-7 in our two losses,” Allie said of his team’s turnover ratio. “In our six wins, we are plus-12. So that’s what you have to do, control the ball and not fumble.
     “Ty does a great job of that. He keeps two hands on the ball and runs fast. He reads the holes pretty well.”
     His longest TD run came on the first play in the second half when he found a huge hole up the middle for a score to put the Eagles ahead 14-7 following a 68-yard scoring run. At the 2:22 mark in the third, he scored on a 2-yard run that was set up by a 44-yard pass from quarterback Caleb Larson to wide receiver Noah Olah that made it 21-14 with 2:22 left in the third.
     The junior later iced the game and made it 28-14 with a 6-yard TD run with 4:36 left in the game.
     “That dude is a tank,” Grain Valley senior wide receiver Noah Olah said of Williams. “He can break any arm tackle out there.”
     Olah was also a big part of the offense as he caught two passes for 83 yards and a touchdown. His score came with 40.2 seconds left in the first half.
     He dropped an open pass earlier in the drive that likely would have been a touchdown, but the senior overcame adversity to make a big catch on fourth-and-6 as he hauled in a 39-yard TD pass from Caleb Larson.
     “They started playing their safety 20 yards off (the line of scrimmage) and I still beat him,” Olah said.
     Grain Valley had to overcome a sluggish start following a 5-yard TD run from Raytown quarterback Nathan Whitebear that put the Eagles in a 7-0 hole with 6:32 left in the first.
     That Raytown drive was aided by two fourth down conversions, including a fake punt on fourth-and-15 that resulted in a 26 yards pass from Whitebear to Travon Johnson.
     After the drive, Baker shouted at his defensive teammates to try and get them fired up, telling them “not to put their heads down” and “we are better than them.”
     “My job is to keep the team in the game,” Baker said. “We are a family out there. I just got to let them know what we need to do better and when we get down on ourselves, I got to let them know we don’t need to.”
     Baker’s motivational speech seemed to work as Grain Valley held Raytown to just seven points the rest of the way. The only other Raytown touchdown came on fourth-and-25 at the 4:31 mark in the third quarter when Whitebear hit Trevon Johnson for a 32-yard scoring pass.
     The Eagles defense limited the Blue Jays to 304 yards of offense despite losing the time of possession battle as Raytown had the ball for 32:38, while Grain Valley only had it for 15:06.
     Raytown seemed to be on its way to tying the game midway through the fourth period as it had the ball at the Grain Valley 26-yard line. Up to this point, the Blue Jays had converted all six of their fourth down attempts into first downs.
     On fourth-and-3, Grain Valley senior Jake Allen tackled Freddy Ersery for just a 1-yard gain, which resulted in a turnover on downs with 8:32 left.
     On Allen’s big tackle, he was lined up against Raytown’s 6-foot-7, 345 pound left tackle Logan Reichert, who is a four-star recruit according to rivals.com and has committed to the University of Missouri. Even in a tough matchup, Allen beat Reichert for the biggest tackle of the game.
     “He’s an animal out there,” Grain Valley junior Brody Baker said of Allen. “He was lined up against one of the best lineman in this area. We put Jake on him for a reason.”
     Grain Valley scored on the following possession and got a turnover on downs on Raytown’s final possession to secure the first-round bye.