by Michael Smith
 
​
In its first year without superstar forward Grace Slaughter, the Grain Valley girls basketball team didn’t miss a beat.
 
The Eagles finished 18-7 and won yet another Suburban White Conference championship a year after a generational talent in Slaughter graduated and went to the University of Missouri-Columbia to play for the women’s team.
 
Grain Valley still had plenty of offensive talent and that helped it win 18 or more games for the fourth consecutive season.
 
This season, the Eagles return five rotational players from last season’s team, including Suburban White Conference Player of the Year Addy Seyfert, who averaged 12.5 points on 49.6 percent shooting from the field, 6.3 rebounds and 1.42 assists.
 
“She can really shoot it,” Grain Valley head coach Randy Draper said of Seyfert. “She has a really quick release. She is going to draw so much attention. People can’t leave her.”
 
The junior is one of many talented offensive players returning. She is a part of a returning group featuring junior Aspen Reed, senior Camryn Kelly, senior Pyper Hartigan and sophomore Madison Rust.
 
Reed is a solid scorer inside and is a good rebounds; Camryn Kelly is a knockdown 3-point shooter who also plays solid defense; Seyfert is an all around player who is also a knockdown shooter and can also score inside; Rust has good touch around the rim and is adept at scoring inside and she can also serve as a playmaker; and Hartigan is a solid shooter, is quick of the dribble and is a capable ball handler.
 
Some newcomers who could enter the rotation including senior Nevaeh Clausen and sophomores Bella Bollinger and Melanie Marcum.
 
“We have some really good shooters on this team,” Seyfert said, “and we are pretty good at rebounding. We may not look like it because of our size but we can get rebounds.”
 
Draper said he has no doubt that he has players who can score, but the success of the offense will come down solid passing. Last season, the Eagles had Findley LaForge and Meghan Knust as players who were the team’s best passers, so the Eagles will have to fill in that void.
 
“We have some people that can put the ball in the basket,” Draper said. “We graduated some really good passers and it was really easy to play offense last year.
 
“This team will have to prove that they can do that. We have to find our identity a little bit. Once we do that, we will be pretty good. We have to prove we can take care of the ball.”
 
Hartigan and Rust are two players who could serve as the primary facilitators for the offense. Marcum also has experience handling the ball and passing as she was a guard for the junior varsity team a year ago.
 
“Some people are going to have to step up in some different roles and we have already seen that,” Seyfert said. Madison played a lot last year and will play point guard. Sophomore Melanie Marcum, who could crack the rotation, was also mentioned as a potential ball handler and play maker.
 
“Madison brings a lot of pace and patience on the court. She helps slow us down and run plays.”
 
Added Kelly: “I think some people are going to have to get uncomfortable in some situations and do what they may be uncomfortable doing and pass. A lot of us are the star players on our competitive teams over the summer.
 
“Coming into the season, it’s really a mentality shift. If we learn to work together, we will come out on top.”
 
On defense, the Eagles should still be strong as they have a lot of team speed to run Draper’s patented full-court press, something the veteran coach often has his teams use to create turnovers year after year.
 
“I think we are faster this year,” Kelly said. “Our press is really good. We have intensity on both sides of the court.”
 
With a good amount of offensive talent coming back and some returning experienced players expected to get a lot of playing time, the players are hoping to win an outright Suburban White Conference title. Last season, Grain Valley earned a share of the league title with Platte County.
 
“Platte will be our biggest competition,” Seyfert said. “They didn’t really lost any seniors from last year’s team. They are a fast paced disciplined team.
 
“We’ll put in the work. We want to win.”

by Michael Smith
 
​
The Grain Valley boys basketball team will have a new look going into the 2024-25 season.
 
The Eagles added 6-foot-7 center Kevin Johnson as a transfer from Kansas City East High School, and their rotation won’t feature anyone shorter than 6-foot-1, so head coach Andy Herbert and his players anticipate that the team’s size and length could cause problems for opposing teams this upcoming season.
 
“I am really excited about our defense,” senior guard Aaron Barr said. “We are really long, which is something we haven’t had in the past. I think we will be able to get 10 steals per game. It’s going to be hard for other teams to score and we’re really good in transition.”
 
Grain Valley is coming off a 14-12 season in which it fell in the first round to Columbia Battle, but it may have the firepower to make a deeper run this time. The Eagles return four rotational players from last season’s team including star junior guard Eli Herbert, who is a 6-foot-3 sharpshooting guard, who can run the point and plays solid defense.
 
He will be joined in the backcourt by Barr, a 6-foot-1 guard who can also handle the ball, run the point, shoot well from behind the 3-point arc and can beat defenders off the dribble with his speed and quickness.
 
Senior forward Evan Colston returns as the team’s starting power forward. He’s a versatile player who rebounds well, can shoot from mid-range and can defend all five positions on the floor.
 
Junior Sam Pendergrass will be Grain Valley’s starting center after he was the backup to Stylz Blackmon a year ago. He’s 6-foot-6 so he has the size and length to be a good rebounder and he can use his frame and strength to score inside against smaller defenders.
 
The Eagles will also have some newcomers filling in some roles left behind by the graduating seniors of the 2024 class. Junior Anthony Juarez will step in as the team’s starting small forward. He’s athletic, can beat defenders off the dribble and he can shoot well in the mid range.
 
“He’ll bring a lot to us,” Andy Herbert said of Juarez. “He’s really stepped up in the offseason and he’s a guy we are going to rely heavily on in a lot of ways.”
 
Johnson will be the backup for Pendergrass off the bench and he will provide high-level rebounding and he, like Pendergrass, can use his size and length to score inside.
 
“Those guys are big and strong,” Eli Herbert said of Pendergrass and Johnson. “They should be able to get every rebound. As long as we focus on blocking out, I think we will be really good at rebounding.”
 
Added Pendergrass: “(Johnson) is going to have a big presence on defense and offense. He’s a tough finisher. He finishes through a lot of contact. He’s a catch and go up kind of guy.”
 
Sophomore guard Hudson Hughes could get some minutes off the bench and senior Tucker Hughes is a swingman who could play at guard and forward of the bench and he’s someone who could knock down some threes for the team.
 
Because the Eagles have so much size and length, it will allow Andy Herbert to utilize zone concepts more often, which will make it more difficult for opponents to score inside and get pass through to the interior.
 
“It’s going to be hard to play above us, you’re going to have to go around us,” Andy Herbert said. “The good teams we’ve had in the past had that length where we could play our zone and make people uncomfortable a little bit.”
 
On offense, the Eagles are well balanced as they have players who can score in the paint, players who can knock down shots from mid-range and a few players who can hit 3-pointers. There are some improvements that need to be made on that end, though, according to Andy Herbert.
 
“We should be to score on the inside and stretch it to the perimeter,” Andy Herbert said. “Our space and pace has to improve. We are moving too fast. We have to slow down and let things develop. Once we kind of get into that groove offensively, we will be in good shape.”
 
Andy Herbert and his players said they don’t have any specific goals this year in terms of winning the Suburban White Conference or winning their district. The goal is simple, the Eagles want to play their best toward the end of the season.
 
“We just want to make sure that we play our best in March,” Eli Herbert said. “If we play our best in March, we will be fine. We’re going to have a lot of fun this year.”

​by Cole Arndorfer and Grain Valley News staff
 
The Grain Valley Schools Board of Education met on Thursday, November 21st for its monthly meeting.
 
The meeting began with recognitions for student athletes who achieved state-qualifying status for girls golf and cross-country.
 
Following the recognitions, the board heard a report from L.J. Hart & Co. regarding the authorization of refunding series 2020A and series 2020C bonds. During the report, the board was told that refunding, or refinancing, these bonds is the most cost-effective option they have. Following the report, the board approved a resolution allowing the refunding of these bonds.
 
The board then heard an overview of the latest demography report for the district from Preston Smith, with Business Information Services. During the presentation, the board learned that the birthrate in the district has dropped and at the same time, the older population has increased.
 
Smith reported that older adults will represent 50% of the district’s population growth over the next 10 years. The report projects an 8% decreasing in the school-age population, and a 60% increase in residents over 60.
 
“You’re going to have a whole clientele who is not going to be able to relate to what the school district does,” Smith said.
 
“Next time you go for a bond, it’s going to be a bit tougher to make that connection with older people.”
 
Smith noted the projections do not anticipate any capacity or overcrowding issues at current buildings based on square footage at district buildings.
 
Next, the board had some time to ask questions over the curriculum report they received.
 
The board then moved into an overview of the district’s state assessment report from Assistant Superintendent Dr. Amanda Allen. Allen said that in every content area and grade level except for three, the district’s scores were significantly above the state average.
 
Superintendent Dr. Brad Welle and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Nick Gooch gave an overview over pay comparisons for certified and non-certified personnel across the metro. Although the district did take steps forward for its beginning teacher pay, it fell back on the list. Welle noted, as the district turned, so did the rest of the world. Overall, Dr. Gooch said that the district took good steps and is headed in the right direction to be competitive with other districts from a pay perspective.
 
The board then moved into unfinished business for an action item on board governance reflection. The state has asked school boards to take surveys regarding their governance and reflection, they also offer a facilitator for the discussion as well. The board approved the use of the survey and facilitator for their discussion on the topic as well.
 
Following this, the board moved into new business. First, the board discussed the nomination for the John Belcher scholarship this year. After reviewing applications, the committee selected Landon Barnes as this year’s nominee. The board approved the nomination.
 
Next, the board approved adding a new elementary special education teacher for the next semester.
 
Welle noted school board candidate filing will open December 10 at 8:00am and conclude December 31st at 5:00pm.
 
The board then moved into executive session and the meeting was adjourned. The next Board of Education meeting will take place on Thursday, December 5th at 6:00pm inside the Leadership Center. 

The Grain Valley Mayor's Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival will begin at 6:00pm on Thursday, December 5th at Armstrong Park. 

Activities include:
- Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Christmas carols by GVR5’s Fifth-Grade Choirs
- Visit with Santa and a live reindeer
- Free holiday movie in the park
- Complimentary cookies, hot cocoa, and more.
​
Nominations are also being accepted for a Grain Valley child to assist the mayor in flipping the switch to light up the tree on December 5th. To nominate a child for the task, email [email protected] with the following information:

• The child's full name
• Parents/guardian's contact information
• A short paragraph (3-5 sentences) telling who the child is and why they would love to help flip the switch in Armstrong Park. 

A nominee will be selected Monday, December 2nd.

For more information on the event, visit Holiday Festival | Grain Valley

The Grain Valley Assistance Council (GVAC), an affiliate of the Community Services League (CSL) headquartered in Independence, will transition operation of the Grain Valley site to CSL at the end of the year. Donna Compton, current site manager for the Grain Valley location, will end her tenure on December 31st.

Doug Cowan, President & CEO of Community Services League, said the long-standing partnership between the two organizations will ensure a smooth transition.

"The GVAC approached us a while back and said they have discussed their future as an organization and asked if CSL could carry on in Grain Valley. My response was that we would be thrilled to continue providing services in Grain Valley," Cowan said.

"Since the CSL-GVAC partnership started, CSL has covered most of the operational expenses and infrastructure in Grain Valley. We employ the Site Manager, maintain all the technology and communication infrastructure, keep the relationship with Harvesters for food distribution and compliance, and much more. That has complemented the work that GVAC does in engaging the Grain Valley community in supporting the work with gifts of time, talent, and treasure, along with helping the community understand the needs of local residents."

Cowan said CSL plans to continue operations at the Grain Valley office on Wednesdays. 

"Community trust is earned by being consistent and doing what we say we’re going to do. With that in mind, we intend to stay reliably open on Wednesdays. If that ever changes, it will be after we have spoken to the community and engaged them in the decision-making process," Cowan said.

CSL employs approximately 80 staff in six major program areas: Basic Needs, Workforce Development, Financial Coaching, Housing Services, Community Development, and Family Stability. Cowan said each of their location's site managers are skilled in delivering basic needs to families and connecting them to other helpful programs at CSL. For more information on CSL, visit www.cslcares.org. 

One of the most beloved traditions in Grain Valley returns this holiday weekend, as the Santa Bus begins its weekly rounds throughout the City. An annual tradition, the Santa Bus travels throughout Grain Valley neighborhoods to visit with children and take photos. There is no cost to participate, and children of all ages are welcome to visit Santa.

The 2024 schedule is provided below. Santa's helpers ask that you not message asking about timing of their arrival in your neighborhood, as timing greatly depends on the number of young people visiting with Santa. 

Parents of young babies who cannot come out in the cold or other children with special needs may come to the bus and ask Santa to come inside. 

(Yellow) Nov. 30th 9:00 AM until approx. 7 PM (First Saturday after Thanksgiving)
Grayleigh Park, Rosewood, Whispering Park, and Whitney Hills
(Green) Dec. 1st 10 AM until approx. 7 PM (First Sunday after Thanksgiving) 
Woodbury Sub-Division
(Orange) Dec. 7th 9 AM until approx. 7 PM (Second Saturday after Thanksgiving) Everything between 40 Hwy and I-70
(Purple) Dec. 8th 10:00 AM until approx. 7 PM (Second Sunday after Thanksgiving) 
Everything between 40Hwy and Eagles Pkwy including Cypress St & Broadway East of Buckner-Tarsney,  and Winding Creek Subdivision
(Blue) Dec 14th 9 AM until approx. 7 PM (Third Saturday after Thanksgiving)
Everything bordered by Buckner Tarsney on the east, Sni A Bar on the north, and Cross Creek Dr on the west.
(No Color) Dec. 15th 10:00 AM until approx. 7 PM (Third Sunday after Thanksgiving )
Everything bordered by Buckner Tarsney on the east, by Sni A Bar on the south and west, and Eagles Pkwy (AA) on the north.
Dec. 20th 6:30 PM until 8:00 PM Brass Armadillo 
(Red) Dec. 21st 9:00 AM until approx. 7 PM (Second Saturday before Christmas)
Everything bordered by Cross Creek Dr on the east, Sni A Bar on the northeast, and Eagles Pkwy (AA) on the north
(Dark Grey) Dec. 22nd 11AM until approx. 7 PM (Last Sunday before Christmas) 
Graystone Estates, Hoot Owl, Creekside and Eagles Ridge subdivisions, as well as any areas that were missed due to time constraints or weather.

View From the Tracks, Circa 1925. Mr. Tate, the station master. 
Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society


by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society
 
While the train is the subject of a great deal of negative press in Grain Valley today, growing up in the 1950s and 60s, the train was a good, make that a great, asset for our town. After all, as stated many times, without the Chicago and Alton Railroad, there would be NO Grain Valley. And at the middle of last century, the train brought the mail; the train brought clothing and household items from J. C. Penney and Sears and Roebuck; the train brought seeds and roses from Jackson and Perkins, and on and on!
           
Let’s face it. In the 1950's, Grain Valley had fewer than 400 people, not a lot of cars waiting to cross over the railroad tracks. By the late 1960's, when the old depot was torn down, Grain Valley’s population had grown from 552 in 1960 to 709 in 1970; again, not a ton of cars or people waiting to cross the tracks. And if I had to guess, a really long train might have fifty cars. 

The Doodle Bug, which brought letters and packages each morning and evening usually had about 8 to 12 cars including the engine, the coal car and the caboose. Other than the freight cars carrying the mail and two or three passenger cars, the train was very short.  Of course, it always stopped at the depot, just West of the crossing to leave the mail, so the three or four cars had ample opportunity to pass.

The November 2024 calendar page shows the back side of the depot, as seen from the train. If you don’t know, this was the second depot in Grain Valley, located on the south side of Front Street, just west of Main Street. It was built around 1921 to replace the first depot which was destroyed by fire.  According to the 1904 map, that depot was located on the north side of the tracks and two blocks further east in the “original” town.

The City of Blue Springs invites residents and visitors to kick off the holiday season at the inaugural North Pole Trail of Lights and the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. This festive celebration takes place at 5:30pm Tuesday, December 3, at Rotary Park, located at 600 NW Vesper Street.
 
The light display runs 5:30-10:00pm nightly through December 30. And Santa Claus will be at the Rotary Park Gazebo 6-8 p.m. each of the following nights to hear Christmas wishes: December 3, 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21.
 
Once the switch is flipped, more than 250,000 lights will sparkle throughout the park with the highlight of the evening being the lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree, providing an animated display that synchronizes music and lights. The tree has more than 22,000 lights and stands more than 28 feet tall. Guests can explore the illuminated North Pole Trail of Lights, featuring larger-than-life walk-through ornaments, glowing archways, and vibrant, twinkling trees throughout the park.
 
“This event is a magical way to bring our community together and celebrate the spirit of the season,” Blue Springs Mayor Chris Lievsay said. “We’re thrilled to introduce the North Pole Trail of Lights as a new holiday tradition for Blue Springs. Whether you’re young or young at heart, we hope you’ll join us for a night of joy and wonder.”
 
The festivities will include holiday entertainment from Chapel Lakes, John Nowlin and Voy Spears Jr. elementary school choirs. During the evening, visitors can enjoy complementary hot dogs courtesy of Blue Springs Parks & Recreation, cookies and hot chocolate provided by Cosentino’s Price Chopper Blue Springs South, and visit with Santa. Additionally, Mayor Lievsay will recognize residents living along SE Alger Drive in the Lake Village neighborhood with a proclamation for transforming their street into “Santa Claus Lane,” with large inflatable Santas.