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by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News One by one, members of the Grain Valley High School softball team walked off their charter bus late Thursday night. A season that had provided a lifetime memories had come to an end. The clock finally struck midnight on a Cinderella-like season for the Grain Valley High School softball team. The Eagles lost to Columbia Rock Bridge 8-6 in the semifinal game and were then no-hit by Marlee Steiner in the third-place game as Lindbergh picked up a 5-0 victory Thursday at Meador Park in Springfield, Mo. Grain Valley finished with a 30-8 record. Rock Bridge scored three runs in the top of the seventh to take an 8-4 lead. The Eagles' late-inning magic never materialized as Grain Valley scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, to cut its deficit to 8-6. Sydnee Wagner had an RBI single and Morgan Hart walked with the bases loaded to account for the first two runs. The Eagles had the bases loaded and one out when Hayden Bush was called in from the bullpen. Earlier in the game she hit a three-run homer off Jones and added an RBI single in the top of the seventh. She retired the next two Eagles on a strikeout and ground out to second base to save the win for starter Lauren Christ. "We've had so many late-inning rallies, and I expected one today, too," said Jones, after unloading her suitcase off the team bus. "But it didn't happen. "It was a good bus ride home. A lot of tears, but we spent a lot of time reminiscing. It's going to be a while before the sting goes away because our group of girls are special." Long after his team had departed from the high school, coach Flip Courter compared the semifinal loss to the meeting between the two teams during the regular season. "We got them (8-7 in eight innings) early in the season, and that game was similar to today," Courter said. "They hit a two-run homer in the first inning in both games, and then we came back to take a 3-2 lead in each game." Rock Bridge's Ava Bush hit the two-run homer Friday in the top of the first. In the bottom of the inning, Kenzie Rust lead off with her first out-of-the park home run and Jones later hit a two-run double to give The Eagles a 3-2 lead. "But after that, we made two many mistakes to beat a good team like (26-10) Rock Bridge," the coach added. "We made a couple of mistakes and Rock Bridge took advantage of them to score three big runs in the top of the seventh. "Then, we score two runs and have the bases loaded, but just didn't get the big hit we needed. "I'll be honest with you, today was tough. This is such a special team, and there were a lot of tears. Our girls were still crying in the dugout when we were playing Lindbergh." The 6-foot-4 Steiner stood tall in the spotlight in the third-place game as she struck out 10 and was three-for-three with two RBI at the plate. "She pretty much did it all for them," Courter said. "As great as she is in softball, she's going to Missouri to play volleyball. She's just a great athlete." Madison Rust reached first base on an error against Steiner. Rust was the only Eagles player to reach first base."  Grain Valley's Molly Jones walks off the team bus following the Eagles' 8-6 and 5-0 losses at the Class 5 final four in Springfield Thursday afternoon. Photo credit: Bill Althaus
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As the federal government remains shut down, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — the main federal food-aid program — will not issue new benefits on November 1, 2025, according to a memo from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Donna Compton, Community Services League's Grain Valley Site Coordinator, said they have seen a slight increase in residents seeking assistance with food. Compton said they anticipate the need will continue to increase as the impact of the federal shutdown continues to ripple through the economy. Food donations for CSL's pantry are always needed to support their work for Grain Valley residents. Some of the most needed items at Grain Valley's CSL location include: Canned Vegetables Canned Beans Mac & Cheese Canned Fruit Box Potatoes Rice or Noodles Side Dishes Hamburger/Chicken/Tuna Helper Instant Pudding Mix Jell-O Peanut Butter Jelly Toilet Paper Spaghetti Sauce Spaghetti Noodles Canned Meat Pancake Mix Pancake Syrup Muffin Mix The Community Services League's (CSL) Grain Valley location, 513 Gregg ST, is open on Wednesdays from 9:00am - Noon and 1:00pm - 4:00pm. For more information, call 816-355-0328. Donations can be delivered to CSL on Wednesdays or to their donation bin located at the Grain Valley Community Center. An additional donation bin located at the Grain Valley Price Chopper benefits Harvesters. A little free pantry is located in the parking lot of Faith United Methodist Church, 1950 SW Eagles Parkway. Residents are welcome to donate or take what they need. For additional resources, call the United Way's 211 Resource Line by dialing 211 or visit www.211kc.org.  Grain Valley Chamber's "Shop the Valley Express" holiday passport program starts November 1st10/30/2025 The Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce launches its "Shop the Valley Express" holiday promotion on November 1st. The shop local promotion invites residents to visit member businesses on a holiday passport for a chance to win a grand prize package worth $500. Shop, dine, or visit one of the businesses listed on the passport, which can be picked up at any participating business beginning November 1st. Request a stamp on your passport from the local business. Once you have collected a minimum of 5 stamps on your passport (one stamp per business), drop it off at the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce office at the Grain Valley Historical Society, 506 N Main, Grain Valley MO 64029 by January 3, 2026. One winner will be drawn on January 4, 2026 to receive a prize package worth $500. Participating Chamber Member Businesses/Organizations: Valley Social Coffeehouse, 120 S. Buckner Tarsney Rd, Grain Valley Grain Valley Historical Society, 506 N Main ST, Grain Valley The Hair Room, 512 N Main ST, Grain Valley Main Street Sweets, 201 N Main ST, Grain Valley Railroad Sock, 626 NW Valley Ridge CT, Grain Valley Stock Event Rental, 816-908-2990, www.stockeventrental.com MOJO Volleyball Academy, 1006 NW East KC Industrial Blvd. Unit G-J Valley Coffee Co., 109 W Front ST, Grain Valley ASI, 1321 SW Eagles Pkwy, Grain Valley, 816-229-4450 The Local Table & Bar, 511 N Main, Grain Valley Valley Mattress Company & More, 1102 NW Casey Blvd. Ste. D, Grain Valley Culver’s Grain Valley, 1180 NW Buckner Tarsney Rd, Grain Valley Valley Sports Cards, 203 S Main ST, Grain Valley Rod’s Sports, 1520 SW Eagles Pkwy, Grain Valley Gen 3 IV Hydration and Wellness, 1210 NE Coronado, Blue Springs Drew’s Diesel, 1101 NW Bush DR, Ste. A, Grain Valley. 816-226-6016 Air and Hose Source, 1108 NW Bush DR, Ste. B, Grain Valley Baking with a Bass, 1428 SW Eagles Pkwy, Grain Valley Follow the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce on Facebook (@TheGrainValleyChamber) and Instagram (@grainvalleychamber) for contest updates and member features. Learn more about the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses at www.growgrainvalley.org.  by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society My memories of Lot 9 of the Graves and Ashcroft Addition go back to the early 1950's (yes, I’m old!). However, my family was here when the lot was vacant. My mother was around when it became a storefront, most likely for a general store. I seem to recall that my father told me when he came to Grain Valley in 1922 the store was a “new” general store. Early photographs reveal that they sold shoes. But who could have predicted that 100 years later, it would house an exhibit from the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC? While the original structure may have been wooden, the current building is brick. It has been a general store, a grocery store (with several proprietors), an upholstery shop, and a gun shop. Since 1992, it has been known as the Grain Valley Historical Society. Before City Hall was built, it was used by the city for city council meetings. It is currently home to the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce. While the building has a varied past, beginning Saturday, November 1, it will be home to the Museum on Main Street. Through a grant from the Missouri Humanities, the Grain Valley Historical Society is delighted to welcome the Smithsonian exhibit “Voices and Votes” to Lot 9. Please visit this wonderful exhibit in our community. Admission is FREE. November 1 thru December 13, 2025 Hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:00am - 4:00pm; Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays from 1:00pm - 4:00pm  Lot 9, Circa 1925  Lot 9, Circa 1985  Lot 9, circa 2025 
Recently, MSN published a story by Ana T. Sola reporting a survey by Empower, a 401k provider, that most Americans now think age 58 should be the appropriate time to retire. I would say that the 1,001 responders undoubtedly included a high percentage of younger workers. From my own experience with clients and others is that most people in their 50’s or older say they plan to retire in their mid-60’s or older. Many admit they did not begin to save early enough in their working lives and are playing catch-up. However, a young couple amazed me with their willingness to start in earnest to prepare well for their future. In their early 20’s, he was already well aware of the power of compounding and the tax benefits of having a Roth IRA. One of the best explanations of a Roth versus a traditional IRA comes in a question: Would you rather be taxed on the acorns of an oak tree early on or on the full giant tree in a few decades? The next item of discussion was the Rule of 72. What? The number of years required for a dollar to double is the number produced by dividing the interest rate into 72. Thus using 9 for an assumed long term interest rate and 8 years for a doubling, any 22 year old will be shocked by seeing a $64 total in their 60’s. For each and every dollar saved in the Roth. I know of some high school students that are funding their Roth accounts from part-time jobs. My next encounter was a young Missourian of 58 years who actually did retire from a materials company last month. How did he do it, I asked? In his 20’s, he began saving 15 percent a year and stuck with it. He worked for the same company while a college student and began to receive its match of 4 percent. It was fantastic how fast the total of 19 percent grew during 39 years. So much for the money; but what are you going to do with an extra 40 hours a week? Those who retire successfully have a great reason—in their minds at least—to continue to live with a mind toward the future. In the last case, he has been wanting to volunteer in disaster relief efforts but work prevented that until now. Here he is in western North Carolina, helping build a new house for an older couple whose home and all their belongings floated down the river 11 months ago. We have an opportunity to try new things, study subjects of special interest at free or reduced rates, or volunteer at an animal shelter or one of dozens of worthy charities always in need of experienced help. Some of us will need to work part-time to remain engaged socially. Others I know are helping their children with providing childcare for their grandchildren. It certainly helps to keep your day job if you love what you do, but unfortunately many do not. That is a big part of my own reason not to retire. Plus it allows us to give more to our favorite charities than we would otherwise would be able. But retirement is not just about the money. Plan ahead to have money, but focus upon retiring to something, not just from something.  by Phil Hanson, President & CEO, Truman Heartland Community Foundation On Thursday, November 13th, there will be a lot of positive energy emitted from a luncheon at the Adams Pointe Conference Center in Blue Springs. The source of the positive energy will be the Annual Grants Luncheon of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation, where $516,672 in grants will be awarded to 67 local nonprofits. These 67 grant awards are the product of our Annual Competitive Grants Program. This is one of my favorite events of the year because of the positive energy created when we bring together the staff and volunteer leadership of nonprofits from throughout our community that are making a positive impact every day. Often, new relationships begin as the leaders from these organizations learn more about each other and potentially forge new partnerships. It's also one of my favorite events because of the quiet, underlying power of Legacy Giving. At this event, we have the privilege of honoring the legacy giving of donors who entrusted the Foundation with a gift of a lifetime by creating, through their estate, a competitive grantmaking fund. Of the $516,672 being awarded, $437,506 is from these legacy gifts. At the event, we celebrate organizations making an impact today while we honor those who made the grants to these organizations possible. Our annual competitive grants cycle is truly competitive. This year we had $1.2 million in requests from 150 organizations. We greatly appreciate the efforts of our grants committee led by board member Steve Noll. It takes a dedicated group of volunteers to review all the grant proposals and make tough decisions on which ones to fund, given the demand and our limited resources. A big thanks to Steve and the Board Members and Advisory Board Members for their dedication and service. Not only are the grants filled by endowments, but also by individual donors each year who increase the grant pool. Of the 150 applicants, the 67 organizations receiving grants requested $571,000, leaving a gap of $134,000 to fully fund their requests. I am pleased to say that in addition to our endowments, we had 19 Donor Advised Fund Holders and other contributors who responded to our request to fill this gap, for a total of $79,166. We will also be celebrating their generosity at the grants luncheon. Another great part about this positive event is the involvement of our youth volunteers. Two of our Youth Advisory Council Students, Caleb Scholes from Truman High School and Shannon Montgomery from Lee’s Summit North High School, will be assisting us in announcing grants at the luncheon. They represent the Youth Advisory Council Students from 10 area high schools who assisted the grants committee in their work this summer. They made 18 site visits to potential grantees and provided their evaluation to the committee. The YAC students also made 3 grants totaling $4,416 from their endowed fund, which was created by students and has been built up over the years from their own fundraising efforts. That endowed fund now is more than $130,000. What an achievement to celebrate. As you can see, our Grants Luncheon on November 13th will bring a lot of positive energy and we will be “Improving Our Communities One Grant at a Time.” Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Insperity.  by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News The mood was light and lively Tuesday night at the popular Grain Valley restaurant The Local, where members of the state-bound Grain Valley High School softball team celebrated their nerve-wracking nine-inning, 2-1 victory over Liberty North. That Saturday afternoon win punched the 30-6 Eagles to state, where they will play Columbia Rock Bridge at noon, Thursday in the Class 5 semifinals at Meador Park in Springfield. "We came so close (to going to state) last year," said Molly Jones, who had an RBI and went the distance in the quarterfinal victory. "We're having fun tonight. We knew when to have a good time, and we know when it's time to get to business. And we're going to be all business Thursday in Springfield." Madison Rust, who overcame an ankle injury in the first inning, scored a run and saved a game-tying home run by Liberty North when she reached over the fence in left-center field to make the defensive gem of the game." "We didn't get off to a very good start this year, but right now, we're playing the best we've played all season," Rust said. "We're happy and having a lot of fun tonight. And we will be ready to Thursday." The Eagles take a 14-game winning streak into Thursday's semifinal game, and coach Flip Courter said his squad is focused and ready for the challenges that come from a final four. "To be successful, we have to play our game," Courter said. "And by that, I mean play the type of softball we've played the last 14 games - and most of the season. We've already beat some teams that are as good as any teams in the state, and I know we're going to get the job done." He paused for a moment, and grinned. "And we have to be loose," he said. "And with this group, that will not be a problem. They know when to have fun, like tonight, and when they cross the lines, it's all business."  by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News The silence that ripped through the Grain Valley High School bleachers Saturday morning, after Madison Rust injured her ankle sliding into first base in the top of the first inning of the Eagles Class 5 state quarterfinal game, was deafening. The Eagles were a win away from going to the final four for the first time in 13 years, when they finished in second place in Class 3 action, and one of their premier players was on the ground, talking to the team's athletic trainer. "I didn't know what had happened, I just knew it hurt and it looked bad," said Rust, whose ankle hit first base hard, which created some tense moments for the Eagles. "When I got my shoe off, it really hurt, but once I got a brace I felt better. If there was any way I could play, I was going to play. I'd have played on crutches. That's how important the game was to me - and everyone on our team." Rust jogged up the first base line a few times, before giving coach Flip Courter the thumbs up. She would go on to score the first run of the game, on an RBI single by starting pitcher Molly Jones, and later rob Carsen Lovelady of a solo home run - more on that in a few minutes - in a nine-inning 2-1 victory over Liberty North. "Staying in the game, scoring the first run and robbing their No. 2 hitter of home run - that's what Madison Rust does for this team," Courter said. "I like to call her our Reggie Jackson - the straw that stirs the drink. When she's out in center, and a ball gets hit anywhere near her, you feel pretty comfortable that she's going to turn it into an out, "Offensively, she is a great table setter for our big bats in the middle of the order,. "She finds a way to get on base, and when she's out there, she creates havoc." Rust finished with five put outs in center field Saturday and has committed no errors in 48 attempts this season. For the season, she is hitting .505 with a .570 OBP, 1.334 OPS and .763 SLG%. She has driven in 25 runs and scored 41 times. "Madison just does it all," Jones said. "When (Lovelady) hit that ball to center, I was confident Madison would run it down, and she did," Jones said. "She's in the middle of everything offensively and defensively." Wednesday afternoon, the Eagles boarded the bus to Springfield, where they will play Columbia Rock Bridge at noon at Meador Park. "We came close last year, and now, we're headed to the final four!" Rust said. "Now, we have to take care of business at state. It's great to go, but our only goal is winning a state championship."   Rust finished with five put outs in center field Saturday and has committed no errors in 48 attempts this season. For the season, she is hitting .505 with a .570 OBP, 1.334 OPS and .763 SLG%. She has driven in 25 runs and scored 41 times. Photo credit: David Rainey, Grain Valley News 
When a veteran moves in next door, it’s natural to want to say “thank you for your service”—but what really matters most is how we follow that up. “Veterans often face a tough transition from military life back to civilian life. As neighbors, we can play a meaningful role in helping them feel welcomed, understood, and connected,” said Joshua Shinn, a community development specialist with University of Missouri extension and leader of the Veterans Read program. Start with respect, not assumptions. Veterans come from all walks of life. Some served in combat; others did logistics, intelligence, or humanitarian work. Not all want to talk about their service, and that’s okay. Instead of pressing for stories or assuming trauma, treat your veteran neighbor like you would anyone else: as a whole person with interests, goals, and experiences beyond the military. Build trust through simple acts of kindness. Simple things go a long way. Say hello. Bring over fresh tomatoes from your garden. Offer to lend a tool or help carry a heavy item. These everyday gestures help build trust and make a veteran feel like part of the neighborhood. Common interests are great bridges—whether it’s cheering on the local team, fishing at a nearby lake, or attending community event. Shared experiences help ease the feeling of being “different” or out of place. Support your veteran neighbor without overstepping. If your neighbor opens up about needing help—whether it’s with VA benefits, job resources, or mental health—be ready to listen and gently point them toward local support systems, where organizations like the Missouri Veterans Commission and local VFW posts can help. It’s also okay not to have all the answers. Sometimes, just being a consistent and caring presence is enough. If you notice signs of isolation, distress, or withdrawal, don’t ignore them. Check in. A simple “You doing okay?” can mean a lot. If you’re seriously concerned, help them connect with resources like the Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988, then press 1). Being a good neighbor still matters. At the end of the day, being a good neighbor to a veteran isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about steady kindness, quiet respect, and offering space to reconnect at their own pace. When we show up for each other, especially for those who’ve served, we make our town stronger for everyone.  Metropolitan Community College Board of Trustees member Jermaine Reed has been elected to a second term on the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Board of Directors. The election took place Oct. 23-24 during the 2025 ACCT Leadership Congress in New Orleans. “I’m deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve a second three-year term as a member of ACCT’s Board of Directors,” Reed said. ACCT is a nonprofit organization that represents the governing boards of community, technical and junior colleges in the U.S. It promotes the interests of community colleges to federal and state officials and offers training and resources for trustees. Reed has served on the MCC Board of Trustees since 2020, representing the College’s Subdistrict 2 and serving as board vice president (2022-24). As an MCC trustee, he has played a role in developing the MCC Reimagined Strategic Plan 2022-2031, served as master of ceremonies at MCC commencements, and much more. In his continued service, Trustee Reed emphasized his priorities both locally and nationally. “Community colleges are the bedrock of workforce development and economic mobility. I am committed to strengthening that foundation and ensuring our institution has a powerful voice at the national level,” Reed said. “Locally, I will continue my advocacy for free community college for all students in the metro area and I am fully committed to ensuring our students and college remain on the cutting edge with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies.” From his prominent national position, Reed said, he will continue to advocate for the vital needs of Greater Kansas City. “I plan to use my voice on the ACCT Board to passionately represent the needs and opportunities of the Kansas City community on the national stage. I look forward to fostering collaboration across our country to ensure that every student has the resources they need to succeed, and that our region’s educational goals are heard and acted upon at the highest levels of policy and funding.”  The following information is derived from Grain Valley Police Department daily calls service log for the week of October 22-28, 2025. October 22, 2025 PHQ Public Service 1100 BLK NW CHRISMAN FARM RD Alarm-Commercial 2100 BLK S DILLINGHAM RD Follow Up Investigation 800 BLK NW HICKORY RIDGE DR Standby to Prevent 1200 BLK R D MIZE RD Citizen Contact 1400 BLK SW EAGLES PKWY Security Check 700 BLK SW GRAYSTONE DR Disturbance-Verbal 12500 BLK W 87TH ST PKWY Training 700 BLK NW WILLOW DR Residence Check 900 BLK SW HEREFORD DR Property Damage 800 BLK NW HICKORY RIDGE DR Standby to Prevent 500 BLK N MAIN ST Alarm-Commercial 1000 BLK E RYAN RD DARE 2700 BLK S DILLINGHAM RD Citizen Contact 40 AND SNI A BAR Crash Injury 700 BLK NW MAIN ST Disturbance-Verbal 600 BLK SW MURIEL DR Citizen Contact 800 BLK NW HICKORY RIDGE DR Extra Patrol 1100 BLK N BUCKNER TARSNEY RD Stealing Under October 23, 2025 BUCKNER TARSNEY / RR TRACKS Area Check 1000 BLK E RYAN RD Alarm-Commercial 200 BLK S MAIN Citizen Contact 1300 BLK NW CRESTWOOD DR Public Service 300 BLK FRONT ST Animal Control PHQ Public Service 500 BLK N MAIN ST Alarm-Commercial 300 BLK JAMES ROLLO DR Alarm-Commercial 1100 BLK S BUCKNER TARSNEY RD Follow Up Investigation RD MIZE / HARDSAW / STILLHOUSE Area Check BUCKNER TARSNEY / EE KIRBE Area Check October 24, 2025 7700 BLK S DANELL LN Fire-Structure 100 BLK CROSS CREEK LN Crash Non-Injury NW JACKIE AVE / SW EAGLES PARKWAY Crash Non-Injury 600 BLK NW WOODBURY DR Disturbance-Physical 1600 BLK NW HILLTOP LN Parking Complaint/Viol BB / PINK HILL Crash Injury; Agency Assist LE 800 BLK SE 3RD ST Uniform Maintenance 1600 BLK NE CRUMLEY ST Property Damage 1700 BLK NE BUCKNER TARSNEY RD Follow Up Investigation 900 BLK SW CROSS CREEK DR Recovered Stolen Auto; Area Check 500 BLK MAIN ST Special Assignment-Event/Demo 500 BLK SW EAGLES PARKWAY Off Duty Assignment PHQ Public Service; Harassment GARDEN / BROADWAY Traffic Enforcement 1200 BLK SW EAGLES PKWY Careless and Imprudent Driver PHQ Public Service BROADWAY / GARDEN Traffic Enforcement HOOT OWL / CRUMLEY Vandalism 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol 1600 BLK NE CRUMLEY ST Property Damage 900 BLK NE DEER CREEK RD Standby to Prevent 1000 BLK SW DEAN DR Disturbance-Verbal 200 BLK SW BLUE BRANCH CIR Man Down 2100 BLK NW SWEETGUM CT Noise 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol October 25, 2025 800 BLK SW HARVEST DR Standby to Prevent 800 BLK NW VALLEY WOODS DR Area Check 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol 500 BLK SW EAGLES PARKWAY Off Duty Assignment 200 BLK SW BLUE BRANCH CIR Property Seizure 600 BLK S CENTRAL ST Disturbance-Verbal 300 BLK SE BLUE BRANCH Agency Assist LE MEADOWWOOD DR / BAYTREE Extra Patrol 1300 BLK NW R D MIZE RD Agency Assist Fire 1200 BLK NW PHELPS DR Citizen Assist S ARNETT RD / FROM RYAN RD Area Check 1300 BLK NW SYCAMORE DR Citizen Contact 1200 BLK NW PHELPS DR Residence Check BB / S OF DUNCAN Crash Blocking 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol October 26, 2025 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol EB JEFFERSON / FROM NE 20TH ST Agency Assist LE 2100 BLK NW SWEETGUM CT Noise NB BUCKER TARSNEY / NE HOOT OWL LN Area Check 900 BKL NW HILLTOP LN Agency Assist LE; Residence Check 100 BLK EAGLES PKWY Security Check 500 BLK NW BAILEY DR Stealing Vehicle PHQ Administrative 200 BLK NW BROADWAY TER Open Door-Vehicle PHQ Public Service PHQ Public Service 100 BLK NW SNI-A-BAR PKWY Stealing Over 600 BLK SW WESTVIEW DR Disturbance-Verbal 100 BLK HARRIS Agency Assist DFS; Check Well Being 1000 BLK BLUE BRANCH DR Agency Assist EMS 600 BLK NW WHITNEY DR Check Well Being-CIT PHQ Public Service BUCKNER TARSNEY / SNIABAR BLVD Crash Unknown 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol October 27, 2025 500 BLK MAIN ST Security Check 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol 1700 BLK NE BUCKNER TARSNEY RD Security Check 1400 BLK SW EAGLES PKWY Security Check 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol CHRISMAN FARM RD Security Check MAIN ST / JAMES ROLLO RD Citizen Contact 900 BLK SW MINTER RD Area Check 1300 BLK SW DEAN DR Abandoned Vehicle DILLINGHAM AND POND Traffic Enforcement 100 BLK OAK ST Agency Assist LE 1000 BLK NE MCQUERRY RD Alarm-Commercial PHQ Walk In Report 1300 BLK NW COTTONWOOD DR Alarm-Residential 1000 BLK E RYAN RD DARE 1100 BLK DEAN DR 911 Hang Up SNI A BAR AND BB Crash Left Scene 1500 BLK NW HILLTOP LN Disturbance-Verbal PHQ Walk In Report PHQ Stealing Vehicle 2700 BLK S DILLINGHAM RD Public Service 500 BLK SW EAGLES PARKWAY Off Duty Assignment BB / MCQUERRY Area Check 40 AND MAIN Crash Unknown DUNCAN AND DILLINGHAM Motorist Assist S DILLINGHAM / NW POND AVE Area Check 2100 BLK NW SWEETGUM CT Extra Patrol 1200 BLK FOXTAIL DR Open Door-Structure 800 BLK SHORTHORN DR Open Door-Structure 1200 BLK NW BUSH DR Vehicle Check SWEETGUM RD Extra Patrol 200 BLK S HUDSON Noise October 28, 2025 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol 2100 BLK NW SWEETGUM CT Extra Patrol 1200 BLK NW CHRISMAN FARM RD Extra Patrol 500 BLK NW MAIN ST Security Check OUTER RD/VALLEY RIDGE Pedestrian Check 1200 BLK NW PAMELA BLVD Extra Patrol 1400 BLK SW CROSS CREEK DR Open Door-Structure BUCKNER TARSNEY RD / DUNCAN RD Check Well Being DILLINGHAM AND POND Traffic Enforcement 31000 BLK E ARGO RD Follow Up Investigation 500 BLK SW EAGLES PARKWAY Agency Assist EMS 100 BLK NW LINDSEY LN Area Check 40 HWY / AA HWY Crash Non-Injury 900 BLK SW FOXTAIL DR Stealing Under 700 BLK SW NELSON DR Citizen Contact 200 BLK WALNUT Meeting PHQ Court PHQ Public Service 500 BLK NW BAILEY DR Extra Patrol SNIABAR / MONTANA RIDGE Motorist Assist 400 BLK FOOT HILL DR Open Door-Structure 400 BLK FOOT HILL DR Open Door-Structure 500 BLK NW BAILEY DR Security Check Additional calls for service: Suicidal subject: 3  by Michael Smith, Grain Valley News The Grain Valley volleyball team was on a roll. The Eagles came into the championship game of the Class 5 District 5 championship game against Blue Springs South with a 12-game winning streak. In the first two games of the tournament, the No. 1 seeded Eagles dispatched of Rolla and Columbia Battle without dropping a single set. The Jaguars came in with an 8-26 record and were the No. 7 seed. However, South was not an ordinary seven seed as it had won district championships the past two seasons. Grain Valley was locked in a dog fight with the Jaguars and the match went five sets. In the final game, the Eagles were unable to find an answer to stop senior Cameron Chace, who had five kills in the deciding set, including the game winner as Grain Valley fell 25-18, 23-25, 23-25, 25-23, 11-15 Monday at home. “Blue Springs South has a difficult strength of schedule, that’s why their record was different,” Grain Valley head coach Tori Squiers said. “They have had a tough year, but their improvement for the year has been extraordinary. To take our district is a big deal for them. We talked about defending (Chace) before the match. I wish I could say why we couldn’t shut her down, but she’s just a stud and got around our block.” The Grain Valley defense had a hard time stopping the spikes of Chace, senior Brielle Gengelbach and freshman Kendall Bloom. In the fifth set, it was clear the Jaguars were trying to get Chace the ball as much as possible as she was an unstoppable force at the net. Despite Grain Valley senior Kyleigh Casey getting four kills in the set, it was not enough to overcome South’s strongest hitters. Grain Valley raced out to a 18-10 advantage in the first game and a double block from junior Amayah Richberg and sophomore Kira Freeman sealed the first-set win for the Eagles. The second game was a close one that featured five lead changes. Grain Valley led 20-19 at one point following an ace from senior Chesnie King, but South went on a 6-4 run to close it out and sealed the set win following a kill from Gengelbach. Grain Valley trailed for most of the first set and were down by as many as eight points. It battled back, however, and eventually tied it at 23-23 on an ace from junior Makenna Lane. But Chace got two consecutive kills to put the Jaguars up two sets to one. The Eagles started out fast in the fourth set and led 15-8, which was capped by a block from junior Piper Jackson. The Jaguars battled back and tied it at 21-21, but Grain Valley outscored South 4-2 the rest of the way, a run highlighted by Lane ace and a King kill to force a fifth and deciding set. The fifth set also was tight, but the striking ability of Chace proved to be too much. Grain Valley got a standout performance from junior middle hitter Piper Jackson, who had five blocks, but it was not enough to earn the victory. Jackson broke the school record for blocks in a season with 86 and also holds the school record for career blocks. “She’s a stud. I am thankful we get her again next year,” Squiers said.”I am excited to see what she accomplishes next year. To make her an offensive threat is something we have to keep pushing, as well.” The Eagles end their season with a 25-8 record and will see four seniors graduate. “It was a really fun season and we made a lot of memories,” Squiers said. “We got to travel together throughout the summer. We had fun. They never gave up and that’s all I can ask. “Those four seniors meant a lot to our team. I am excited to see where they end up after high school.” by Michael Smith, Grain Valley News Disaster struck for Grain Valley head softball coach Flip Courter. Earlier in the morning before his team’s big Class 5 state quarterfinal game against Liberty North, he had to go to an emergency room at a local hospital due to a painful kidney stone. He wasn’t about to let that keep him from missing the Eagles’ biggest game in years, though, as he managed to get to Grain Valley High School 20 minutes before the 1 p.m. start time. Courter was there to help coach his team, while his assistant coaches Kylie Boehmer, Katie Kelly and Brian Driskell helped set up the field and get the team through pregame warmups. His Eagles came through as senior Addie Wright came through with the go-ahead, run-scoring hit and junior starting pitcher Molly Jones spun another gem in a 2-1 victory in nine innings vs. Liberty North, which sent the team to its first state final four since 2012. “It doesn’t hurt near as bad after a win,” Courter said of the kidney stone. “We have such an outstanding staff with Coach Boehmer, Coach Kelly and Coach Driskell. They were able to help out and pick up the slack this morning. “As long as the emergency room wasn’t taking too long, there was no way I was missing this game. I am glad they were able to cooperate with us. This was an experience I won’t forget.” Grain Valley will take on Columbia Rock Bridge in the state semifinals at noon on Oct. 30 at Meador Park in Springfield. Grain Valley (30-6) ran into some bad luck against Liberty North starting pitcher Hunter Anderson-Jones as they hit the ball hard multiple times throughout the game but oftentimes resulted in a lineout right at an opposing infielder or a sparkling defensive play by the visitors. Boehmer kept her team encouraged despite the bad luck on hard-hit balls. “Coach Boehmer is the most supportive coach I have ever had,” Wright said. “We were hitting the ball hard and she told us, ‘It’s going to fall.’” The team finally broke through in the top of the ninth inning. Senior designated player Morgan Hart, who struck out in her last two at bats, nearly hit a home run as she drilled an opposite field double off the right field fence. Courter had senior Ava Rosetti pinch run for Hart before senior catcher Olivia Slaughter hit a pop fly out. “If she’s not our fastest runner, she’s in the top two,” Courter said of Rosetti. “We hold onto her for those types of situations. We were going to wave her around no matter what on a hit.” With one out, senior third baseman Addie Wright came up with the biggest hit of her career when she hit a ground ball single up the middle to score Rosetti from second base to put her team up by one run. After the big hit, she turned toward her teammates in the dugout and raised her arms and clinched her fists multiple times in celebration. “I’ve been in a pretty big slump these past few games so that was huge,” said Wright, who got her second hit of the postseason. “I was excited when I saw the center fielder bobbling the ball. I knew that we got it after that.” Senior Ashlynn McConnell later singled to put runners at second and first with one out but Kenzie Rust lined into a double play caught by Kinley Johnson, which was the third of the game for Grain Valley. With how well Jones was pitching for Grain Valley, the bad luck at the dish for her squad didn’t matter. Earlier in the contest, she surrendered a two-out double Johnson in the bottom of the seventh to set up a walk-off opportunity for the visiting Eagles, but induced a flyout to center field off the bat of Peyton Cleary to get out of it. Jones then pitched a 1-2-3 eighth and ninth inning and got the game-sealing strikeout, getting Anderson-Jones to chase a rise ball out of the strike zone. That sent her team into a frenzy as her teammates met her in the circle as the Eagles put their arms around each other and jumped up and down and were screaming in jubilation. Jones pitched a complete game and allowed one run, which came on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Avary Sharpnack in the sixth inning. She gave up five hits, walked one and struck out five. Jones also had a run-scoring single in the first inning to give Grain Valley an early lead. At times in the game, Jones was smiling in the circle, as she said she is at her best when she’s in a cheerful mood. “Sometimes these pressure situations are the best moments,” Jones said. “I have my entire defense behind me, and they are going to do whatever it takes to not let a ball drop. I have an amazing catcher that helps calm me down. I wouldn’t want any other team in a stressful situation.” Added Courter: “(Jones) smiles a lot and is goofy at times, but beneath that smile and goofy facade, there’s a stone-faced assassin in the circle. I don’t know if there’s too many people around that want to win as badly as she does.”  Photo credit: Michael Smith
by Michael Smith, Grain Valley News The Grain Valley football team is banged up. Starting running back Sjoeren Aumua has been out the past few weeks with a broken collarbone and starting linebacker Lucas Jurgensmeyer has been out most of the season with a leg injury. Following Friday’s regular-season finale Truman, the Eagles added a pair of injuries to the list. Starting quarterback exited in the second quarter with an injured shoulder and senior wide receiver Bentley Carver suffered a concussion. However, the Eagles earned a much-needed bye week as they locked up the No. 1 seed in the Class 5 District 7 following a 65-6 blowout of Truman at Moody Murry Memorial Field. Grain Valley (6-3) will be able to rest and won’t play until Nov. 7 at home and will play the winner of the Ruskin-Belton first round game in the semifinals. “That week off helps us recover,” Allie said. “Nine games doesn’t seem like a lot but there is a lot of wear and tear there. It’s going to be nice to get a little time off.” The front seven for the Eagles dominated the Patriots as they totaled a season-high five sacks against Truman quarterback Donovan Toese, with junior defensive end Max Allen earning 2.5 of those. Coming into the game, Allie said the Eagles aimed to dominate the line of scrimmage and that’s exactly what they did. “We wanted to be physical where we could,” Allie said. “They weren’t a very physical team. We decided to send a lot of pressure.” Added senior Chase Kitsmiller: “We all played well and stuck to our assignments. We knew if we pressured them, they’d fold.” Grain Valley’s defense once again has had a strong season, giving up just 17.6 points per game. Against the Patriots, the Eagles only gave up 213 yards and senior safety Brody Jones also had an interception Toese. “I'm pretty happy with where we are at as a whole,” Allie said of the defense. Truman’s lone score came on a 65-yard touchdown pass from Toese to senior wide receiver Maxwell Kerby at the 4:49 mark in the second period. On offense, the Grain Valley offensive line, which Allie said would be the biggest strength for his team coming into the season, continued to be as good as advertised. Sophomore running back Dawson Head continued his breakout season as he had 229 yards and four touchdowns on 18 carries. His highlight came on an 80-yard TD run with 1:48 in the first half where he found a huge hole behind left tackle Will Page and left tackle Logan Bennett. “They are as physical as any offensive line we have had,” Allie said. “They’re smart and they get off the ball.” Backup running back Brody Davis had 116 yards and two TDs on seven carries in the second half. As they have for most of the season, the Eagles dominated the ground game with 452 yards rushing. Neer added 30 yards rushing and scored on a 12-yard run as he deked three would-be tacklers. Third-string quarterback DJ Pechar scored on a 12-yard run himself late in the fourth quarter. Senior place kicker Colton Clyman added a 23-yard field goal and Terrell King returned a punt 31 yards for a score early in the first.  Spooky fun awaits visitors to the Downtown Spooktacular event this Friday, October 24th from 6:30pm - 8:30pm in downtown Grain Valley. In addition to trick-or-treating downtown, courtesy of local businesses and organizations, music will be provided by sponsor Party It Up Entertainment. The evening will conclude with a fireworks show over downtown. There is no cost to attend the event, which is open to the public. Please note the following street closures: - East Walnut St. closed at Main (5–8:30 p.m.) - West Walnut St. from Gregg to Main (4–8:30 p.m.) - West Front St. from Capelle to Main (4–8:30 p.m.) - Main St. from Yennie to Front (5–9 p.m.) For more information, visit www.gvmoevents.org  |
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