Update 10/20/22, 3:00pm: In a press release, the City of Grain Valley provided additional details beyond their initial statement via Facebook the afternoon of 10/19/2019:  
     "Officers discovered a 24-year-old male with gunshot wounds - who was later pronounced deceased at the scene. Firearms were located at the scene and three subjects were detained for questioning. Grain Valley Police Department detectives, with assistance from detectives from the Oak Grove Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and Kansas City Police Department Crime Scene Unit processed the scene and interviews were conducted. It was determined that all persons involved knew each other and were staying in the residence where an argument preceded the shooting. This investigation is ongoing and once complete will be presented to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office."

​     As reported the afternoon of October 19th, Grain Valley Police Department reported at approximately 1:00pm on Wednesday, October 19th that police were dispatched to a shooting on Scenic and Sawgrass that left one person deceased.
     In a Facebook post at approximately 2:30pm on October 19th, Grain Valley Police reported officers were currently at the scene of the shooting. The statement said the investigation continues, but police are not searching for a subject and there is no threat to the public at this time.  
     While new details have yet to be released, Grain Valley News spoke with a couple who found themselves at the center of the tragedy yesterday.
     Courtney Smith and James Smith, residents in the Truman Lake area, were in Grain Valley on business and to visit Courtney’s parents, who live in a neighboring duplex where the shooting took place.
     The couple were outside visiting with Courtney’s mother and a friend, when they witnessed a white truck arrive on the scene and a verbal altercation begin. The Smiths said the truck then left, but they had a sense that there would be further trouble.
     “There were loud arguments going on and the truck left, but it was obvious it would return given the threatening things being said,” Courtney Smith said.
     They called to another neighbor whose children were in a vehicle to get the children inside.
     The Smiths report a vehicle returned to the scene minutes later, where the apparent victim entered the home where the verbal altercation had just taken place. The Smiths then heard shooting from within the house.
     Both of the Smiths heard hollering from the home and sprang into action. James Smith had a handgun and entered the home in an what he described as an attempt to help stop or disarm the individual shooting inside the home.
     James described that he then saw Courtney, a nurse, run past him toward the basement where the shooting victim, identified by the Smiths as a young man in his 20s who had returned in the vehicle and enter the home, was located. Courtney Smith began administering CPR until police and paramedics arrived and ordered her aside.
     According to Courtney Smith, the victim was not transported for care as he was deceased shortly after their arrival.
     James Smith reported seeing two young men, appearing to be in their 20s, run from the scene following the shooting, with Smith calling to them to return. The men reportedly returned to the scene, one of the men referred to as the shooter of the man who entered the home and was shot in the basement, according to Smith. According to the Smiths, the young man who reportedly shot the individual who entered the home was placed under arrest.
     James Smith was ordered to the ground by police and dropped his weapon while the scene was secured. The couple were later individually questioned and released by police. Courtney Smith had to relinquish the clothes she had been wearing to police as evidence, as they were bloodied following her attempts to administer CPR to the victim.
     According to the Smiths, those at the scene as well as family members they later encountered stated the altercation was related to an intimate relationship between the victim and a woman associated with the home. Police remained on the scene late afternoon on October 19th as the Smiths, stating they were still in shock, left to return home.
     “The neighborhood is pretty quiet. It’s scary to think that would happen near to my mom and dad. We were just outside, talking with a friend, and this happens. And today was very sad,” Courtney Smith said, her voice breaking. “The fact is that two young men lost their life today. One was shot and lost his life, and another arrested and his life is changed forever.” 

​by Clara Bates, Missouri Independent


     A state commission Tuesday laid out its recommendations to improve teacher recruitment and retention in Missouri, including a push to raise starting salaries that currently rank among the lowest in the nation.
     The State Board of Education approved the commission’s nine recommendations and pledged to bring the findings to the public and lawmakers.
    “I look forward to taking this out and sharing it with Missouri citizens and, ultimately, with the legislature and our legislative partners,” said Charlie Shields, president of the state board of education.
     Nearly 8% of available full-time teaching positions in the school year 2020-2021 were vacant or filled by not fully qualified individuals, according to the report. Shortages have particularly afflicted elementary, early childhood and special education, the report noted, as well as specific subjects and high-need schools.
     The Teacher Recruitment and Retention Blue Ribbon Commission was formed by the State Board of Education earlier this year and is composed of 22 members, including nine business members, four state legislators and two teachers, as well as staff from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, governor’s office, State Board of Education, and School Board. 
     One of the commission’s immediate recommendations was for the legislature to amend the state’s base teacher salary, which is currently set by state law at $25,000 for a beginning teacher, to “at least $38,000” and to conduct annual reviews of the starting salary level.
     According to the National Education Association’s review from earlier this year, Missouri’s average teacher starting salary ranks second-to-last in the nation, at $33,234, higher only than Montana. At a public hearing in August, educators recounted taking on second jobs to get by.
     “We cannot fall behind again like we have and play catch up,” Mark Walker, CEO of the transportation company TransLand and chair of the commission, said as he presented the report Tuesday morning.
     According to the report, it would cost the state around $29.5 million to ensure all teachers were making at least $38,000 a year.
     The commission also recommended the legislature fund a program which allows districts to supplement teacher salaries for hours worked outside contracted hours, called the Career Ladder program, and expand grants to fund teacher recruitment programs.
     The legislature should also establish a state fund to help local school districts pay more competitive salaries overall, the report recommended. 
     The average teachers salary in Missouri ranks 47th in the nation, at $51,557, according to the National Education Association. 
     Pay varies widely by district. In smaller districts, with fewer than 250 students, teachers are paid an average of $9,000 less than their counterparts in larger districts, the report said.
     To bump up the average teacher salary by just $1,000 would cost the state $81.2 million, according to the report.
     “We recognize you can’t do it immediately,” said Walker, of creating a state fund to raise salaries across the board, “But we certainly think this probably has one of the largest impacts we could ask to have in the system.”
    Other short-term priorities in the report include increasing support for teacher mental health and funding a student loan forgiveness program to incentivize teachers to work in at-risk schools.
     In the long-term, the commission recommends the state allow schools to provide salary supplements and bonuses to fill high-need positions, which would require several provisions of the Missouri Constitution to be modified, and recommends the legislature help fund teachers to become certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, which studies have linked to teachers’ effectiveness and retention.
     The commission recommends future work be done to assess school cultures and climate for teachers, as well as Missouri’s heavy reliance on local funding for education, which “creates inequities in the available resources and supports available to schools, teachers, and students.”
     One board member, Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge, weighed in on the point of inequitable funding, praising the commission’s efforts as a first step but pointing to funding as the “big white elephant in this room” that needed to be further addressed.
     Without focusing on structural funding issues, “if we try to apply Band-Aids,” Westbrooks-Hodge said, “we’re going to be sitting here 10 years from now talking about the same issue.”
     “You’ve issued a charge,” she said to the commission, “but what you’ve listed as a next step or consideration really needs to be our first step. We’ve got to attack the structure.” ​

Reprinted with permission by the Missouri Independent, www.missouriindependent.com. 

     Construction began this week as crews began moving dirt at the location of a new fire station to be located at the corner of Duncan Road and Dillingham Road. 
     Tim Anderson, Deputy Chief of Operations for Central Jackson County Fire Protection District, said the process, which began with the approval of a tax levy increase and bond approval in early 2021, moved to the construction phase following the approval of bids at the end of August.       "We decided on a design/build process to construct the station and McCown Gordon Construction was chosen in this process.  We wrapped up the design phase of the project in early June of this year, and McCown Gordon sent the specifications out for bidding purposes for the construction of the station.  They received the bids, and those bids were approved by our Board of Directors on August 30th, 2022.  Construction mobilization began earlier this week with dirt being moved," Anderson said. 
     "We anticipate that construction will be completed by late September to early October of 2023 and anticipate being in the station in late October weather permitting.  We will be staffing an engine and an ambulance out of the station, with storage for reserve apparatus and other ancillary equipment."
     Ground will soon be broken on the south end of town for Mid-Continent Public Library's (MCPL) new branch. On Thursday, November 10, at 9:00am, Mid-Continent Public Library staff and local leaders will break ground on the new Grain Valley Branch at 400 SW Buckner Tarsney Road, The brand-new building will be located approximately a mile south of the current Grain Valley Branch at 101 SW Eagles Pkwy., which it will replace when it opens in late fall 2023.
     The current Grain Valley Branch, located in a local storefront MCPL has leased since 2014, will remain open for services until construction of the new building is complete. As well as 4,000 additional square feet, the new building will offer customers a variety of upgraded amenities, including:

• An enclosed community program room
• Two meeting rooms
• A dedicated children’s area
• Teen area
• Outdoor seating.
  
  

     Replacement of the Grain Valley Branch is part of the Library’s ongoing Capital Improvement Plan, made possible by an increase to Library funding through the passage of Proposition L by voters in 2016. Since that time, the Library has renovated or replaced nearly all of its 30+ locations and added a brand-new branch in Lee’s Summit. Design work for the Capital Plan is being completed by Sapp Design Architects and Helix Architecture + Design, with JE Dunn assuming responsibility for construction contractor management.
     Also under construction, the new central office building for Grain Valley Schools is on schedule for a March 2023 opening. The new building is being constructed just south of the district's Dr. Amanda Allen, Deputy Superintendent, School and Community Services, reports the roof should be completed by the end of October, and exterior walls (brick and stone) are scheduled to be completed by the end of November.

     (StatePoint) As people return to their fall routines, economic concerns are top of mind, and many are finding themselves spending more time worrying about the health of their things than the health of themselves.
     According to new research by MDLIVE, an Evernorth company and leading provider of virtual care services, most people (67%) view fall as a time to get back into routines, pointing to reprioritizing schedules, getting kids started in the new school year and prepping for winter. However, only 20% of people say they are on top of routine doctor visits. Instead, they’re prioritizing the health of their homes (71%) and their cars (63%), more so than are focused on routine, preventive care for their personal health (57%).
     Why are Americans so avoidant when it comes to caring for their physical wellness? Time, or lack of it, is one major factor. Despite 56% of people recognizing that putting off personal health affects how well they can care for other aspects of their lives, 47% say they put off routine health tasks because they are too busy. Another factor is cost -- 39% of respondents say prioritizing health would be too expensive or force them to dip into money they have earmarked for other things.
     “The majority of people with employer-sponsored health insurance have access to low-cost or no-cost preventive care, and millions can now access routine preventive care virtually through their health plan,” said Dr. Vontrelle Roundtree, interim chief medical officer, MDLIVE. “It’s incredibly convenient to fit into busy schedules and enables people to stay on top of important preventive care like wellness screenings and chronic care management.”
     According to Dr. Roundtree, there are three simple steps people can take as part of a fall preventive health routine that are low-cost and require little time:

     1. Keep up on vaccines: Some experts predict a challenging flu season combined with the risk of other infectious diseases, all while bracing for a potential COVID surge. It’s critical to get your flu shot and stay current on COVID boosters.

     2. Stay current on screenings: Routine screenings are the first line of defense against many common illnesses, and addressing early signs of those conditions can often keep them from becoming chronic. However, since the start of COVID, screening rates for a number of conditions have fallen. Take an inventory of any overdue doctor visits or preventive care, such as screenings for breast and cervical, colorectal and skin cancer, and make the time to get them done.

     Check your health plan to see your options, such as virtual wellness screenings that can save you a trip to the doctor’s office and may be available to you at a $0 copay depending on your health plan. For example, MDLIVE, a leading U.S. provider of virtual health care services, offers convenient, affordable access to medical and behavioral health care 24/7 from the comfort of home. More than 62 million individuals nationwide have access to the service as a covered benefit through their health plans and employers. To learn more, visit mdlive.com.

     3. Take control of chronic conditions: Those living with chronic conditions should review their medications and dosages with their doctor to ensure they are up to date and to determine if anything should be changed or stopped.

     “The fall season, with its focus on fresh starts, is the perfect opportunity to turn your attention to preventive healthcare,” says Dr. Roundtree. “After all, your health is your most valuable asset.”

​     The event is scheduled to be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 29. The drop off location will be in the City Hall/Police Station parking lot located at 711 South Main Street.
     According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible way of disposing unwanted, unused, and expired prescription drugs – while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medication.
     Note that only potentially dangerous prescription medications, including tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs will be accepted. Liquids, syringes/sharps, illegal drugs, and inhalers will not be accepted.
     For more information on this event, email [email protected] or visit www.dea.gov.

by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society

 
     I know I have read many “histories” of the school. I know I have written many articles about the history of the Grain Valley School.  Last week one of our members was “sorting thru some old boxes.” I always love it when that happens because often the Historical Society becomes the beneficiary of some neat stuff. Such is the case with the History of the School I am about to copy for your reading. While Ona Stephenson Baumgardner’s name is handwritten across the top of the page, it is a Xerox copy and unfortunately and I cannot tell you the source or the author. I still believe it’s a good history and worth the read.
     Three years after the Civil War, in 1858, (the author must have meant before as the Civil War began on April 12, 1861) one-half acre of land situated in the Northeast corner of the West half of the Northeast part of section 34, township 49, range 30, was deeded to the Board of Education, District No. 3 by Mr. and Mrs. Britton M. Capelle.
     In 1906, the people of Grain Valley and surrounding community were very much interested in establishing a high school
     The six school districts, Grain Valley, Pink Hill, Round Grove, Oak Hill, Stony Point, and Capelle were consolidated at the spring election and a three room, two-year high school was built.
     The proposition which had almost been defeated before was growing rapidly under the new school board officials with Dr. W. Johnson as president.
     The Board of Education received in July, 1907, an additional one and one-half acres of land from Mr. and Mrs. James H. Hall.
     When the first high school was opened at Grain Valley in September, 1907 only four students entered under the direction of Mr. Laurence Dimit.  Algebra, English, Ancient History and Physical Geography were the four subjects offered.
     The next year the enrollment increased to fifteen and another teacher was employee. Ora Morrison, Curtis Houston, Madge Butler Wagner, and Lily Ashcraft Tesch were the first to graduate from Grain Valley High School in 1909.
      Two years later it was made into a four-year high school.
     Athletics were brought into the school in 1914 when basketball was introduced. They did not attempt football until 1923.
     On November 7, 1925, the building was a total loss by fire. The school term was finished in business houses and churches while a bonded indebtedness of $60,000.00 was assumed. With the aid of the insurance the new $75,000.00 building was constructed and dedicated in the fall of 1926. The blue prints show that two additional rooms are partly constructed to facilitate a larger student body.
     During the past twenty-years the school has progressed and many things have been added.  A commercial department was begun. A music department was added with Mrs. John Hader as the first instructor. Now the entire school from first and second grade Rhythm Band, the Junior High Chorus, the High School Band, the Girls Glee Club, the Boys Glee Club, and the High School Chorus were added to this program.
     Three more schools were consolidated into the Grain Valley School. This eliminated buggies and horseback riding, therefore the barns west of the building were torn down,
     During the depression the EPA helped build a cistern northwest of the building. This was the first adequate water supply.
     Bibles were placed in the school by the Gideons.
                        The PTA was organized, May, 1941, and has proved to be very helpful. They helped to buy a
picture machine, to build up our library, and to purchase kitchen equipment.
            A trophy case, blackout shades, scoreboard, two radios, four pianos, a jukebox and stage curtains, steel chairs, venetian blinds, playground equipment, and the microphone, which was given by the 1945 Senior Class, help make our school more modern.
            The red brick building with the two-way drive, green terraced lawn, flower beds, shrubs and poplars is beautiful. Above all this flag pole stands with the American flag unfurled and the Minute Man flag flying beneath.
 
Note: Last week I hoped to start a series on alumni, “Where are they now?”  Although the article about Kathy Doty, our Historical Society President, generated a lot of chatter on Facebook, only one person reached out to me with a suggestion which I’m currently researching. Once more, if you have information on an alumni or suggestions for alumni to be featured, please let me know.

     Grain Valley Police Department reported at approximately 1:00pm on Wednesday, October 19th, police were dispatched to a shooting on Scenic and Sawgrass that left one person deceased.
     In a Facebook post at approximately 2:30pm on October 19th, Grain Valley Police reported officers were currently at the scene of the shooting. The statement said the investigation continues, but police are not searching for a subject and there is no threat to the public at this time.  

The following information is derived from Grain Valley Police Department daily calls service log for the week of October 12-18, 2022.
 
October 12, 2022
40 HWY & Centerline                                  Agency Assist-Blue Springs PD
800 Block of Country Hill DR                    Assault
1100 Block of Christie LN                           Welfare Check
700 Block of Main                                         Citizen Contact
1400 Block of NW Burr Oak                       Found Dog-Referred to ACO Tuttle
200 Block of Main                                         Citizen Contact
1200 Block of S Franklin Ave                     Agency Assist-IPD
1200 Block of Eagles PKWY                       Shoplifting
AA & West City Limits                                Agency Assist-Blue Springs PD
1400 Block of NW Hilltop LN                    VIN Verification
1200 Block SW Eagles                                 Trespassing
500 Block NW Bailey DR                            Assault Past
500 Block of NW Orion DR                        Civil Standby
1300 Block of Valleywoods CT                  Suspicious Activity
700 Block of Main                                         Motor Vehicle Accident
 
October 13, 2022
1200 Block of NW Valley Ridge                Alarm
200 Block of NW Jefferson                         Citizen Contact
200 Block of Aaron LN                                Civil Matter
500 Block of SW Eagles PKWY                K9 Search
500 Block of NW Willow                            Agency Assist-Jackson County Drug Task Force
90 Block of NW Jackie                                 Suspicious Person
Main St & RR Tracks                                    Area Check-Tree on Tracks-Railroad Notified
WB On Ramp to I 70                                    Debris in Roadway
600 Block of SW Nelson DR                       Property Damage
 
October 14, 2022
700 Block SW Cross Creek Dr                    Motor Vehicle Accident
1300 Block NW RD Mize Rd                      Civil Standby
500 Block NW Broadway                            Agency Assist - Attempt to Contact
I-70 Westbound                                             Agency Assist - Highway Patrol - Motor Vehicle Accident
1100 Block NE McQuerry Rd                     Motor Vehicle Accident
PHQ                                                                  Walk-in Report - ID Theft
SW Nelson Dr / SW Meadowood Dr         Stop Sign in roadway
200 Block NW Amanda Ln                         Alarm
1100 Block NW Bush Dr                              Alarm
1400 Block NW Hilltop Ln                          Missing Person (Located)
100 Block NE Sunny Ln                               Disturbance
PHQ                                                                  Warrant Confirmation
1000 Block NE Clear Creek Dr                   Animal Bite
1600 Block NW Hilltop Ln                          Parking Complaint
1200 Block NW Phelps Dr                           Citizen Contact
 
October 15, 2022
300 Block Old US 40 Hwy                          Trespassing
400 Block SW Ryan Rd                               Missing Property
PHQ                                                                  Recovered Stolen Property
100 Block NE Sunny Ln                               Civil Matter
1000 Block Main St                                       Debris in Roadway
700 Block Main St                                         Disturbance
200 Block Walnut St                                     Property Damage
1700 Block NW Helen Ct                            Civil Standby
PHQ                                                                  Warrant Confirmation
NW Jefferson / Tyer / Duncan Rd              Area Check - Shooting Suspect from Blue Springs
800 Block San Kar                                         Agency Assist - EMS
1100 Block NW Pamela Blvd                     Alarm
800 Block SW Lee Ann Dr                           Area Check - Injured Wildlife
 
October 16, 2022
800 Block SW Woodland Dr                       Citizen Contact
400 Block SW Hamilton Ln                        Animals at Large
400 Block NW Woodbury Dr                      Check the Wellbeing
1800 Block NW Hilltop Ln                          Possible Stealing
1400 Block NW Hilltop Ln                          Disturbance
200 Block Cannon St                                    Barking Dog
 
October 17, 2022
1000 Block SW Ephraim Dr                        Barking Dog
1100 Block SW Ephraim Dr                        Physical Disturbance
1100 Block SW Ephraim Dr                        VIN Verification
1100 Block NW Golfview Dr                      Check the Wellbeing
PHQ                                                                  Harassment / Threats
200 Block Royer                                            Civil Standby
PHQ                                                                  Walk-in Report - Harassment
PHQ                                                                  Citizen Contact
100 Block N Broadway St                            Agency Assist - Oak Grove PD
RD Mize Rd / NW Meadow Ln                  Area Check - Possible Durnk Driver
Sni-A-Bar Blvd / Sni-A-Bar Pkwy             Area Check - Animal At Large
400 Block NW Rust Ct                                 Suspicious Auto
1000 SW Stoney Point Dr                             Fraud
 
October 18, 2022
800 Block SW Misty Glen                             Suspicious Auto
PHQ                                                                   Walk-in Report - Property Damage
PHQ                                                                   Citizen Contact
1000 Block NW Sycamore Dr                      Follow-up Investigation
Duncan Rd / Tyer Rd                                     Semi Blocking Traffic
PHQ                                                                   Agency Assist - DFS
PHQ                                                                   Citizen Contact
400 Block SW Montana Ridge Dr               Physical Disturbance
200 Block Main St                                          Alarm
100 Block SW Eagles Pkwy                         Agency Assist - Blue Springs PD
US 40 Hwy / Sni-A-Bar Blvd                       Motor Vehicle Accident
Armstrong Park                                               Injury at Swings
PHQ                                                                   Recovered Stolen Property
NW Jefferson St / NW Valley Ridge Blvd   Abandoned Auto
Duncan Rd / NW Rosewood Dr                   Area Check - Possible Water Main Break
 
Additional calls for service:
Domestic violence: 1

     Missouri non-farm payroll employment increased by 2,700 jobs from August 2022 to September 2022, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased by one-tenth of a percentage point. Private industry employment increased by 10,400 jobs and government employment decreased by 7,700 jobs. The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.4 percent in September 2022, from 2.5 percent in August 2022. Over the year, there was an increase of 71,500 jobs from September 2021 to September 2022, and the unemployment rate decreased by 1.6 percentage points, from 4.0 percent in September 2021 to 2.4 percent in September 2022.
     While the data is preliminary and subject to revision, the preliminary September 2022 unemployment rate of 2.4 percent is the lowest recorded seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Missouri since the data series began in 1976. The previous low was 2.5 percent in August 2022. The preliminary September 2022 not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 1.8 percent is the lowest recorded not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Missouri since the data series began in 1976. The previous low was 2.3 percent in June 2022.       
UNEMPLOYMENT         
     Missouri's smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased by one-tenth of a percentage point in September 2022, declining to 2.4 percent from the revised August 2022 rate of 2.5 percent. The September 2022 rate was 1.6 percentage points lower than the September 2021 rate. A year ago, the state's seasonally adjusted rate was 4.0 percent. The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 74,542 in September 2022, down by 1,614 from August's 76,156.
     The national unemployment rate decreased from 3.7 in August 2022 to 3.5 in September 2022. Missouri's unemployment rate has been at or below the national rate for the last five years.        
     The state's not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate decreased in September 2022, declining by 1.2 percentage points to 1.8 percent from the August 2022 not-seasonally-adjusted rate of 3.0 percent. A year ago, the not-seasonally-adjusted rate was 3.5 percent. The corresponding not-seasonally-adjusted national rate for September 2022 was 3.3 percent.        
     Missouri's labor force participation rate was 62.4 percent in September 2022, one-tenth of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 62.3 percent. Missouri's employment-population ratio was 60.9 percent in September 2022, eight-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 60.1 percent.        
EMPLOYMENT     
     Missouri's non-farm payroll employment was 2,926,500 in September 2022, up by 2,700 from the revised August 2022 figure. The August 2022 total was revised upward from the preliminary estimate with an increase of 1,600 jobs.         
     Goods-producing industries increased by 1,000 jobs over the month, with mining, logging, & construction gaining 1,400 jobs and manufacturing losing 400 jobs. Private service-providing industries increased by 9,400 jobs between August 2022 and September 2022. Employment in private service-providing industries increased in leisure & hospitality (4,800 jobs); professional & business services (4,000 jobs); financial activities (1,000 jobs); and trade, transportation, & utilities (800 jobs).  Employment decreased in information (-700 jobs); other services (-400 jobs); and educational & health services (-100 jobs). Government employment decreased by 7,700 jobs over the month with a decline in local government (-8,700 jobs) and an increase in state government (1,000 jobs).        
     Over the year, total payroll employment increased by 71,500 jobs from September 2021 to September 2022. The major private-sector industry groups that shared in the increase, with the largest gain in professional & business services (28,100 jobs); followed by leisure & hospitality (14,600 jobs); mining, logging, & construction (9,800 jobs); educational & health services (6,100 jobs); trade, transportation, & utilities (5,700 jobs); other services (4,900 jobs); and manufacturing (1,800 jobs). Employment decreased in financial activities (-900 jobs) and information (-100 jobs).  Government employment increased over the year, with a gain of 1,500 jobs. The largest governmental employment increase was in local government (3,600 jobs) and state government (800 jobs). Employment decreased over the year in federal government (-2,900 jobs).

by Michael Smith



     The Grain Valley boys soccer team got a bulk of its offense from seniors Owen White and Austin Schmitt to start the season.
     Head coach Brett Lewis wanted to make a point to have his team get more players involved in the scoring and improve on finishing shots.
     The Eagles did just that in Monday’s Suburban White Conference matchup against William Chrisman at Norman James Field in Independence.
     Three different Eagles scored as they earned a 3-1 victory.
     “I thought early in the season it was a lot of (Owen White) and Austin (Schmitt) scoring a chunk of the goals,” Lewis said. “Now we are spreading the scoring out and it’s really good for us. We have a lot of guys who are dangerous going forward.”
     And that is part of the reason Grain Valley (10-5, 4-1 White Conference) has been playing much better soccer as of late. The Eagles are on a six-game winning streak and have found their identity, Lewis said.
     Lewis added that his team’s recent success has been due to finding their identity.
     “I think we’ve found the way we want to play. We found the style,” Lewis said. “We have guys who are accustomed to the role they are supposed to play. Everyone is starting to go out and execute.”
     The team has also increased its intensity in recent games, senior Owen White said.
     “I think we just wanted it more than anyone else,” White said. “We just had the grit to go and get it.”
     The Eagles dominated possession throughout and were sharp with their passing. For the game, the Eagles held a 16-7 advantage in shot attempts and 11-6 edge in shots on goal over the Bears.
     “I think we’ve been doing that the past few games and it has been working out really well for us,” Grain Valley junior defender Isaiah Johnson said. “We know how to control anything. It’s really good for us to take control of other teams like that.”
     The first goal didn’t require a pass as White split a double team at the top of the box, found an open shot halfway inside the 18-yard box and punched the ball off the right post as it bounced in for a 1-0 lead with 29 minutes and 43 seconds left in the first half.
     “I played the ball to Campbell (Childers) and he played it back to me,” White said. “One defender was behind the other, so I took a touch between them, and took a shot and it went in.”
     Junior defender Isaiah Johnson notched Grain Valley’s second goal after he received a long pass from senior Austin Schmitt and he was able to get a light touch on the ball as it bounced over the goal line and into the net for a 2-0 advantage in the 50th minute.
     “Coach tells us all the time to just get something on it,” Johnson said. “I saw Austin play the long ball in and I knew their guy was going to miss it, so  if I got anything on it, I knew it would get past the keeper.”
     Junior forward Ethan Galvan capped the scoring for the Eagles four minutes later when he received a pass near the right post and he lobbed a shot over Chrisman goalkeeper Trevor Jolley and inside the right post for a three-goal lead.
     “Galvan was cheeky enough and composed enough to put the ball over the keeper right into the backside of the goal,” Lewis said. “Ethan has been playing really, really well the past couple of games. He’s getting some big goals for us.”
     After that, Lewis was able to play his backups and Chrisman started creating more chances in the final 20 minutes. The Bears lone score came from sophomore Mauricio Lopez who ripped a shot from 35 yards out and snuck inside the left post.
     “Grain Valley is a really good passing team and they showed that tonight,” Chrisman coach Justin Schmidt said.
 

by Michael Smith
 
      The strategy was clear for the Grain Valley girls cross country team.
     The girls wanted to stay in a pack and finish around the same time at Saturday’s Suburban White Conference Championship meet at Grain Valley North Middle School.
     While none of the Eagles finished in the top two, they had six runners finish third through to help the team finish first with 25 points. Platte County was second with 37 points.
     “They came and executed the plan,” Grain Valley boys and girls cross country coach Nick Small said. “They came ready to go. I could tell in the team huddle before the meet that they were excited. You just have that feeling. They did well.”   
     They were led by Jordan Gossage, who finished third out of 23 runners with a time of 21:21.74. Just two weeks before the conference meet, Gossage and the rest of the Eagles competed at the same course at the Grain Valley Invitational, which helped prepare them for the numerous hills.
     “We just all really wanted to win today,” Gossage said. “Our effort was really good and we tried really hard. It was the hardest we tried all season.
     “I think I beat my time from last time. I believe that was my course (personal record). There was a lot I learned from the first time I raced on this course and applied it to today.”
     Kayley Bell was right behind Gossage as she had one of her best races of the season, finishing fourth at 21:34.68.
     “I think I did better than expected,” Bell said. “I had a good feeling about this race. It had a different atmosphere in practice. We had a former cross country athlete, Tyree Meadows, Zoomed in for one of our practices."
     “He was super fast and he told us the things that motivated him when he raced and told us the things he wished he would have done differently. It was super inspiring.”
     Rounding out the top six for Grain Valley were Lexie Nicholson (fifth, 21:42.30), Amyah Graybill (sixth, 21:47.29), Keili Stevens (seventh, 22:23.29) and Braylin Larkin (eighth, 22:33.01).
 
EAGLES BOYS TAKE SECOND
     Even while missing two of its top seven runners, Grain Valley was still competitive.
     That included the Eagles top runner, Carson Hill, who was on vacation with his family.
     Grain Valley still finished with 32 points, however, just eight points behind first-place Platte County.
     “We had a couple boys that stepped up,” Small said. “Platte County is really good and ran well today.”
     One of the Eagles to step up was Rylan Smith, who finished second with a time of 17:05.43.
     “I think I raced pretty good,” Smith said. “The Platte County guy behind me really pushed me and my teammate Landon Barnes. He just pushed me to keep going. It was a good race for everyone."
     “Missing Carson was not great, but we still stayed mentally strong.”
     Not too far behind Smith was Grain Valley’s Landon Barnes, who was fourth at 17:12.51. He is ranked 74th among all sophomores in the nation for most improved runners according to MileSplit USA.
     “My coach told me about that, I was really surprised,” Barnes said of his national ranking. “I really enjoy running and I just put in the work.”
     Rounding out the top six for the Eagles were Adrian Bobzien (seventh, 17:38.38), Landon Blew (eighth, 17:42.54), David Roberson (11th, 17:46.90) and Nathan Allen (14th, 18:21.37).

     Grain Valley starting quarterback Caleb Larson has been able to rest on the sidelines the past two games with no worries.
     While he wants to play, he doesn’t mind it.
     Before Friday’s Suburban White Conference matchup with William Chrisman, the Eagles have been able to rest their starters and play their backs for the majority of the second half of their last two games as they won their last two games by a combined 76 points.
     It was more of the same against the Bears as Grain Valley scored 37 points in the first half en route to a 40-7 blowout at Norman James Field.
     The Grain Valley starters played the first series of the second half then got to test midway through the third period. That included Larson, who didn’t have a carry in last week’s 52-20 win over Columbia Hickman.
     “I think it’s a good move by Coach (David Allie) to prevent injuries,” Larson said. “I want to play. Football is my passion. When you get pulled out, you get that same feeling.”
     “I am not mad about sitting on the sideline. I don’t want all the glory. I want everybody to touch the ball and everyone to get playing time. As long as we are winning, that’s all I care about.”
     For Allie, he said the backups being able to play in the last three games will be valuable down the line when they are eventually starting games in the next year or two.
     “We like to put the young guys in those situations so they can get some reps,” Grain Valley David Allie said. “Even though we’d put our young guys in, the other teams keep their starters in so our young guys are getting quality reps.”
     Larson carried the ball 10 times for 72 yards and two scored. He scored on a 6-yard run on the Eagles’ first drive of the game and on a 10-yard scamper late in the second period.
     “I give all the glory to my linemen, they did a great job today,” Larson said. “Offense struggled to start a little bit, but we got it back up and rolling.”
     Larson and the offense got a big assist from a Grain Valley defense that has been rolling as of late. In its last six games, the defense has held opposing teams to just 12.6 points per game, which included 13 points from Columbia Hickman that came against the backups last week.
     In that span, the Eagles have allowed just 247 yards per game of total offense and have forced 16 turnovers.
     On Saturday, junior cornerback Braylon Hardin intercepted Chrisman quarterback Connor Elliott twice and returned them to the Bears 28- and 20-yard lines. The first interception led to a 28-yard TD pass from Larson to Anthony Greco on the first play of the next drive and the latter led to a 30-yard field goal from Austin Schmitt in the fourth quarter.
     “It feels amazing,” Hardin said. “I just read his hips, I saw him cut out and I jumped on it real quick and that’s that.”
     Grain Valley’s third interception came from senior linebacker Nathan Testa on a ball thrown right to him. He returned it to the Chrisman 25, that set up a Ty Williams TD run on the first play of the ensuing drive with 2 minutes left in the second half.
     Not only did the Eagles (6-2, 3-0) have three turnovers, they had a safety at the 10:28 mark in the second period. After they lost a fumble at the Bears 2, senior linebacker Brody Baker tackled Miller in the end zone for a safety on the first play of the drive.
     “I think the play calls from Coach (Matt) Curts led to the shutout from our varsity and our defense was in sync the whole time,” junior cornerback Braylon Hardin said.
     The offense and defense clicked for the Eagles (6-2), but what about the special teams.
     With 6:45 left in the second period, junior safety Gabe Storment found a gap and blocked the punt from Mitchell Cory and senior Jake Allen recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown.
     “We all just rushed at the same time and got there,” said junior defensive tackle Camden Nelson, who had a sack. We got in his face and blocked it. That was great.”
     The win was Grain Valley’s fifth in a row and third by 30 points or more. Next week, the Eagles have their biggest game of the season against Raytown at home. The winner of that game will win the Suburban White Conference championship and will earn the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye in the Class 5 District 7 tournament.
     “We lead by points,” Allie said, “but if we lose to them, they would bump us out of the No. 1 spot because of head-to-head competition. We got everything to play for.”

     The week of October 3rd, Grain Valley Schools experienced a cyber-attack, resulting in a disruption to certain district computer systems. In a brief statement, the district stated the investigation into the cause and impact continues. 

     "Grain Valley School District (GVSD) recently began experiencing technical difficulties, resulting in a disruption to certain computer systems. We are working diligently with third-party IT specialists to investigate the source of this disruption, confirm its impact on our systems, and restore full functionality to our systems as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience and understanding and apologize for any inconvenience."

     The district had been in the process of migrating to a new phone system when the cyberattack occurred. According to Dr. Amanda Allen, Assistant Superintendent, Student and Community Services, "until the investigation is complete, the migration is postponed. It will resume as soon as the cyber-attack is resolved."

     
     Burton Kelso, Chief Technology Expert with Integral, explains the majority of cyber-crime requires user interaction, which means if you take the time to educate yourself about the different cyber threats on the Internet, you can keep yourself and your business safe. Kelso outlines the threats individuals and business owners may encounter and how to protect yourself from them.
1. Accidental Sharing. This occurs when you or a friend accidentally shares sensitive information such as hitting 'reply all' to an email or when you use Carbon Copy (CC) to send out an email to a lot of connections rather than clicking on Blind Carbon Copy (BCC). 
How to Stay Safe: Don't be in such a rush when sending out emails and other information. When you fail to take the time to watch what information you're sharing, you're risking exposing sensitive information such as passwords to home and work accounts, company sensitive emails, and more.

2. PDF Scams. If you aren't familiar with what a PDF is, it stands for "Portable Document Format" and was developed by Adobe. These scams are on the rise because even though you will probably avoid clicking on a link on an email or downloading most attachments, you probably will attempt to open up a PDF file. Why? Well, if you see a PDF file as a file attachment, you will assume it's an important document and open it up.
How to Stay Safe: Beware of generic emails that show up in your inbox that come from unknown sources and have generic greetings. Also, if you get a PDF file unexpectantly, if possible, call the sender of the email to verify they were the ones who sent it.


3. Credential Stuffing. The act of credential stuffing means using the same username and password information to log into online accounts. This form of cyber-crime relies on people not changing their login credentials on a regular basis. Cybercriminals get on the dark web to look for username and password data dumps. Once they get this information, they use bots to automatically your information to attempt to log into common social media and email sites to get the personal data stored in these accounts. Once they get more information about you and where you visit on the internet, they will use this information to log into your financial accounts and even work accounts.
How to Stay Safe: It's important that you keep an eye on large-scale data breaches to verify your information hasn't been leaked as well as making sure you don't use the same usernames and passwords for your online accounts. Check to see if your information has been leaked at www.fightingidentitycrimes.com and at www.haveibeenpwned.com. Keep track of all of your pesky passwords by storing them in your favorite web browser or use a password management software program like LastPass (www.lastpass.com)

4. Vishing and SMShing. Vishing or voice call phishing has been around for a while (think tech support scam phone calls), but SMShing or SMS Text phishing has risen during the pandemic because people respond to text messages easier making it more likely that you'll fall for a scam. Both use a technique called "social engineering' which is designed to get you to react to a phone call or email rather than taking the time to think if it's a legit call or not. Samples of these types of attacks usually involve there is a problem with a personal or work account, problems with your computers and technology, or a subtle sales pitch to get you to purchase something you don't need.
How to Stay Safe: The best defense against voice phishing and SMS phishing is to ignore the message if you don't recognize who's calling or leaving a message. If you're a small business or home user, limit who you share your home or mobile phone number with. If you have to share a number with the public, create a 'free' phone number with Whatsapp (www.whatsapp.com) or Google Voice (www.google.com). If you have a lot of incoming spam calls coming in, sign up for the Do Not Call Registry at www.donotcall.gov. Check to see if your mobile carrier offers spam call and text protection. You should also consider download and using the RoboKiller app (www.robokiller.com).

5.Ransomware. Ransomware is probably one of the most devastating cyber threats on the web today. If your home or office computer is infected with ransomware, it could mean the files on your devices are lost forever. Ransomware encrypts or locks up the pictures and documents on your devices. Ransomware is so lethal, it will infect multiple devices that are connected together on your home or office network, including cloud storage services and external hard drives used for backup. You are only able to gain access to them if you pay the ransom criminals will put up.
How To Stay Safe: Ransomware normally shows up in the form of a phishing email, so think before you click on any link or attachment that shows up in your inbox. Set up an automatic backup system for all of your home and office devices. Services like Carbonite (www.carbonite.com) can keep your Windows and Macintosh safe in the cloud with automatic backup. For your smartphones and tablets, it's worth it to pay Apple and Google the extra money for storage to allow you to backup your information to their cloud services.

     In a world where the internet connects all your devices and allows you to work from home and communicate with your loved ones, staying on top of cyber threats has never been more important.

The Jackson County Assessment Department is holding its sixth community meeting in Grain Valley at the Grain Valley Community Center, 713 Main, on Thursday, October 20th from 5:30 - 7:00pm. The County has hosted the series of community meetings in an effort to help homeowners better understand the department and assessment process. 
     Topics will include the functions of the Assessment Department and its new technology, information about the levy process and the role of the County Collector, understanding your assessment notice and property tax bill, as well as the County's parcel by parcel review. 
     For more information, visit: Assessment Community Meeting 10-20-2022 - Jackson County MO (jacksongov.org) 

     The Board of Aldermen met briefly on Monday, October 10th, voting to approve the first reading of an ordinance which would adjust the city's three ward boundaries to account for population changes identified in the most recent census. 
     Alderman Arnold argued boundary changes should consider population based on registered voters. Federal law dictates wards must have substantial equality of population, which is generally interpreted as less than 10% deviation between the largest and small ward or district based on Census population data of all residents. 
     The board approved the first reading, with Arnold voting against the ordinance. 
     The board will meet for its next regularly scheduled board meeting on Monday, October 24th at 7:00pm.