​     Purple Peace Foundation and the Mudd Family invite you to bring your friends and family to explore the beauty of the Mudd Family’s home Christmas display this weekend. Located at 7809 S Arnett Road, Grain Valley, the setting is perfect for a leisurely stroll and the perfect holiday selfie.
 
Friday, December 10th from 4:00 pm- 8:00 pm
Saturday, December 11th from 4:00 pm- 8:00 pm
     The grounds are lit, but guests are encouraged to bring a flashlight to light your way as you walk, as the ground can be uneven.
     This event is free although donations to the Purple Peace Foundation may be made on-site if you wish.
     For more information, please contact Stacey at 816 847-6856 or [email protected] or Holly at 816 489-2220 or [email protected].
 

​     Happy New Year everyone! With the new year, I'm sure you want to make positive changes in your life. With resolutions, we always tend to focus on improving our relationships, finances, and health. 
     With technology playing a big role in our lives, you need to consider changes to your digital life as well.  The good news is that you don't have to be a technology expert to resolve to get better with the tech in your life.
     Not sure where to start? Well, I've put together a list of tech resolutions that will help you get more from the technology you use at home and work.

1. Get Serious About Cyber Security.    
     Cybercrime was huge in 2021 and it's only going to get worse in 2022. First, understand that all of your devices have the protection you need against threats on the internet. As long as you keep your devices up to date, you are protected.  
     Most of the scams and viruses require user interaction in order to cause problems, so be cautious of websites you visit and emails that show up in your inbox. If your information was leaked in a data breach, make sure you take action immediately, by changing your passwords for your online accounts. If you don't, your accounts can become susceptible to 'credential stuffing' which is where criminals use your information leaked in data breaches to take over your online accounts.

2. Be Kind To Your Data. 
     If you love your data, you will want to make sure you are backing up your precious data automatically ... to the cloud.  External hard drives are great, but if you're like most people you don't hook them up to your devices all of the time to perform a backup. Cloud backup offers the ability to have your device information saved as a backup as soon as you create it on your device.

3. Keep Your Devices and Accounts Secure. 
     You want to make sure your computers and smart devices are password protected and your accounts have different passwords.   If you haven't enabled 2-factor authentication for your online accounts, you need to do it immediately. 
     This way, if your accounts are compromised, criminals can't get access to your information.

4. Show Your Devices Some Love.
     Upgrade to Windows 10. Microsoft is ending support for Windows 7 this month. 
     If you have a Mac, you need to update to High Sierra, Mojave or Catalina. Make sure your smartphone, tablets and your smart home devices have the latest security updates installed to keep you safe from all of the bad things and people on the Internet.

5. Unclutter your Devices and get Rid of Old Tech.
     Yes, you spent money on those devices, but when they are obsolete it's time to get rid of them. Take them to your favorite recycling center or give them away to someone who can still use them. 
     Some places like Amazon offer trade-ins on old technology. While you're trashing your old tech, delete those old programs and files to keep your devices clutter-free.

6. Set Boundaries with Yourself and Your Family. 
     Don't let your digital life take over your real life. Modern technology is designed to keep you and your family plugged in so you become addicted to your devices. Most adults have the brainpower to switch off technology, but if you have younger members in your household, it can be hard for their brains to disconnect.
     Choose times and areas in your house where technology use isn't allowed. Life is short, make sure you're making the most out of it.

     If you follow these tech resolutions for the new year, you should have a worry-free and enjoyable digital lifestyle for yourself and your family.

     Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to [email protected]. If you prefer to connect with me on social media, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter and watch great tech tip videos on our  YouTube channel. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I want to make technology fun and exciting for you.
     If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team at Integral.
     My team of friendly tech experts is always standing by to answer your questions and help make your technology useful and fun. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829.

     Jackson County announced that it is once again waiving the online convenience and electronic check (ACH) fees for this year’s property tax payments.
     The fees will be waived through December 31, 2021 for those who pay their property taxes online through County’s official portal myJacksonCounty. Residents are strongly encouraged to pay online to avoid long wait times in person due to limited staffing at the downtown County Courthouse and Historic Truman Courthouse in Independence.
     “With the pandemic ongoing, we still have a responsibility to provide a safe way for residents to conduct business with us,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said.
      “We know that waiving these fees is an effective way to do that and encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity by making their payment using our contactless and easy online system.”
     “We have made the decision to waive the $2.00 convenience fee and $1.25 ACH fee within myJacksonCounty to incentivize our residents to pay online,”  Whitney Miller, Director of Collection said. “myJacksonCounty is an incredibly user friendly and secure way to pay your property taxes, all without having to leave the house. Online credit card payments will still incur a 2.75% fee.”
 
How to pay Jackson County property taxes online:
Visit payments.jacksongov.org
· Create an account or continue as guest
· Link account and search by name, address or property account number
· View and pay your bills
· Print or digitally store your receipts
 
Other contactless payment options:
     Exterior drop boxes for property tax payments are located at the west door of the Jackson County Courthouse in Kansas City (415 E. 12th St.) and at the south door of the Historic Truman Courthouse in Independence (112 W. Lexington).
 
     Taxpayers can also mail their payment to the address on their bill. Payments must be received or USPS postmarked by December 31 to avoid penalty.
 
     As a reminder, all County locations and the online payment vendor’s offices will be closed on December 31, 2021 in observation of the New Year.
 

​The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of November 24-30, 2021.
 

​     I wrote a portion of this week’s article for The Voice, a monthly Historical Society newsletter, back in 2017. I find that today, 4 years later, while my memories are still fresh, I still haven’t been able to learn “who was that man behind the beard?”
     Who doesn’t have memories of Christmas, regardless of your heritage? Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, or any number of secular or religious holidays, they all share a common thread...family!!
     How did/does your family spend the holidays? After nearly twenty-one months of some type of Covid “lockdown,”  Grain Valley residents are looking forward to celebrating with family and friends. One common thread seems to be Christmas will be spread out over several days as different children and grandchildren will be arriving at different times. Some responded with, “this is the year our son/daughter will be spending Christmas with their wife/husband’s family.”
     It made me think back to the 1950s and 1960s and a less mobile society. Some families might have two Christmas dinners, but they were usually on the same day and only a few blocks or miles apart. ! I suspect growing up in Grain Valley in those days was quite similar to many small towns. From Thanksgiving until December 25, the routine was much the same each year.
     At school, our music teacher began rehearsals for the annual! Christmas pageant. I do not recall many specifics about those years, but I do remember in first grade that all of the girls in my class were dolls. I wore a white frilly blouse and a red taffeta skirt. My mother attached bows on the ruffle with tiny bells that jingled when I danced. Each year the pageant had a theme and every grade performs along with the high school choral groups and the band. We probably had a cast of 250 students.
     By the late 1950s we had grown so much we had to have two programs, one for the elementary students and one for the junior high and high school. Did any of you take part in one of the pageants?
     Sometime in the mid 1950s, Tom Heidelberger planted an evergreen tree on the southwest corner of Front Street and Main. In those days that was the City Park. We still had the old railroad station where mail was delivered until about 1960. The city park was also the site of “free shows” in the summer. !
     Each year in early December, Tom would sting the tree with colored lights. It became the town Christmas tree and remained so well into the 1970s. What began as a little tree about 5 or 6 feet tall, grew to be quite large.  For many years, Tom provided more and more lights to the growing tree. Does anyone recall when the tree was cut down?
     On the last Saturday before Christmas, Santa arrived in town to pass out candy and ask the age-old question, “What do you want Santa to bring you this year?”!
     At that time there were only three churches in Grain Valley, but each one prepared for the holiday. Three of the biggest cedar trees in the area were chopped down as each Church add a tree to their sanctuary and a wreathe to the front door. Each of the churches had a Christmas Eve service. The Christmas story was acted out by the young people complete with Mary and Joseph, shepherds, wise men and, of course, angels, which were always girls! And then, after the scriptures and singing, there was Santa Claus! 
     Santa always came to school, too. He visited the all-school assembly and he made it to the elementary classrooms, too. Do any of you remember the “faces” of Santa? I’ve been trying to remember and have asked several people. If you are reading this story and can give me an answer, I would love to know.
     Also, if you have photographs of Christmas in Grain Valley PLEASE consider sharing some with the Historical Society. Scan the photo and email to me at [email protected]. Or get them to me and I will scan and return the original. Remember, they don’t have to be “old” to be historical. 2021 will soon be “history” to future generations. Please help us to preserve that history.
 

     Still have leaves to rake up? The vivid colors of autumn leaves were an attractive sight. However, once they fall and accumulate in the yard, leaves can become a problem. Dealing with autumn leaves can be labor-intensive and, at times, a frustrating task. Especially when leaves keep blowing into one's yard from neighboring homes, making the process seem never ending! 
     Proper use of fall leaves can maintain a healthy, attractive landscape.
     When allowed to accumulate over turfgrass and low ornamental plants, leaves can pack down and form a tight mat, particularly during the course of a wet winter. A thick layer of leaves can block sunlight from reaching turfgrass, thus reducing the ability of plants to manufacture food in the fall. Cool season turfgrass species such as Kentucky bluegrass or fescue need fall sunlight.
     On the other hand, fallen leaves represent a valuable resource that too many gardeners overlook. In addition to containing modest amounts of certain essential mineral elements (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium), they are a rich source of organic matter. 
     Organic matter helps build good soil structure. Bagging, burning, or discarding autumn leaves is not a sound decision from an ecological or economic point of view.
     One way to recycle autumn leaves is to mulch them into the lawn. When leaves are still damp, adjust your lawn mower to its highest setting and start mowing. By using a crisscross pattern and double-mowing, leaves often can be reduced to the size of confetti. 
     So-called "mulching mowers" are especially proficient at shredding fallen leaves. The tiny pieces of leaves will gradually filter into the lawn and begin to decompose. The end result will be the release of nutrients for use by the turfgrass. Research has demonstrated that a layer of leaves up to six inches thick can be mulched into the lawn with no ill effects.
     Leaves can be incorporated into the lawn with a mulching mower.
Composting is another way to turn leaves into a useful soil amendment. Compost is partially decomposed organic matter created by soil organisms that break down plant matter. Compost is beneficial for improving soil because it binds small soil particles together making them larger. This "aggregation" of soil particles helps improve aeration, root penetration and water movement.
     Compost bins can be made from salvaged materials such as shipping pallets.
     A backyard compost pile can be almost any size that is convenient for the space available. However, for best results, it should be no less than about 25 square feet in area at its base and three feet in height. As a rule, larger compost piles are better than smaller ones. Whatever the size, always locate a compost pile in an area that is well-drained.
     Find more information on composting in this MU Publication “Making and Using Compost”- https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6956
     MU Extension is offering a free online compost webinar on December 16, 6-8pm. Register by calling 573-581-3231 or at this link
https://web.cvent.com/event/41265a8f-f564-4de2-9281-c5ee5b3e81b0/regProcessStep1
      Autumn leaves can also be made into leaf mold. This is an organic material consisting of partially decomposed leaves. Unlike traditional compost that undergoes a heat-generating, bacterially-driven process, leaf mold is produced through a cooler and much slower fungal-driven process.
     Leaf mold is made much the same way as compost, only no additional nitrogen is added. The resulting partially decomposed material is an excellent additive to soil. It can be mixed in during tillage, or used as a surface mulch for weed control.
     In addition to mulching leaves into the lawn or turning them into compost or leaf mold, they can be used as a mulch to protect tender plants (e.g., azaleas and rhododendrons) in the landscape. 
     The best leaves for this use are those are very stiff and do not collapse (form a dense mat) during wet weather. Oak leaves are excellent for use as winter mulch. When used as mulch, leaves should be enclosed in a wire cylinder placed around the plant to keep them in place.
     Have more gardening questions? Contact Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City Hotline 816-833-TREE(8733) or email [email protected]
Presented by Cathy Bylinowski, Horticulture Instructor, [email protected]
 
 

Bill Pre-Filing for the 2022 Legislative Session Begins
 
      The 2022 legislative session officially begins Wednesday, January 5 and lawmakers are working feverishly to have their legislation ready for consideration by the start of session. Wednesday, Dec. 1 marked the first day legislators could pre-file legislation for the upcoming session. The first day of bill pre-filing saw members of the Missouri House introduce hundreds of legislative priorities for next year.
     My office was a part of the pre-filing frenzy and I am excited for the upcoming session. To date, I have filed five bills: HB 1642, HB 1641, HB 1643, HB 1638, and HJR 80. As I have stated in the past, human trafficking is a problem in our great state. HB 1638 and HB 1643 battle human trafficking with legislation against money laundering and racketeering. I have another piece of legislation that my office is working on in regards to stricter penalties for those found guilty of patronizing prostitution. I hope to have this bill filed by the end of December. HB 1641 is in response to an employer mandated COVID vaccine, outlining that if an employer demands their employee to be vaccinated the employer is financially responsible for any negative outcome faced by their employee as a result of the vaccine. HB 1642 allows an individual to apply for a conceal and carry permit at any state county office and makes the county fee consistent throughout the state. HJR 80 is regarding property tax. This will be the third time I have filed a bill regarding property tax and I am hopeful that the age old saying, ‘third time is the charm’ will be accurate. HJR 80 seeks to keep the real estate property assessment value from increasing more than two percent annually. This will help keep those that are retired, or on a fixed income to stay in their family homes. If passed, HJR 80 will be placed on the ballot for the people of Missouri to vote on.
     By noon on Dec. 1 House members had introduced more than 250 bills, which put them on a record pace for pre-filing. Legislators pre-filed a total of 288 bills on the first day of pre-filing in 2020. In comparison, the first day of pre-filing saw 315 bills introduced in 2019, 161 bills in 2018, and 195 bills in 2017.
     Legislators filed legislation dealing with a wide variety of topics. Issues addressed by the pre-filed bills range from vaccine mandates to critical race theory to protections for the unborn. To keep informed on the bills that are pre-filed in the House, please visit the official website of the Missouri House of Representatives at www.house.mo.gov and click on the “Pre-filed Bills” link.
 
Attorney General Schmitt Asks Legislators to Consider Parents’ Bill of Rights
     As lawmakers prepare to discuss a wide range of topics during the 2022 legislative session, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt is asking them to work on a Parents’ Bill of Rights. The bill of rights would protect parents’ rights to have a well-informed say in their children’s education, strengthen parents’ abilities to take action related to their children’s education, and increase transparency in Missouri’s schools.
     “The Parents’ Bill of Rights empowers parents, and increases transparency in school curricula and materials. It is my hope that the legislature will pass this crucial legislation to improve education for millions of children across the state,” said Schmitt.
     The proposed legislation would give parents a right to know about and approve of their child’s health care decisions, have access to health and mental health records, educational materials and curriculum, and would require parents to consent to biometric scans, DNA extractions, and video/voice recordings. The legislation would give parents a right to be notified of investigations involving their child.
     As part of the Parents’ Bill of Rights, each school will be required to develop a policy that would guarantee parents a right to: 
Participate in their child’s education;
View the curriculum their child is being taught;
Receive information on all extracurricular clubs at the school;
Receive information on school choice, including Missouri Empowerment Scholarships Accounts;
Understand the process to exempt their child from immunizations; and
Receive information about enrolling their child in individual educational plans or gifted programs.
     Further, the Parents’ Bill of Rights would require the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop a Missouri Transparency Portal that would track and create easy access for parents to view:
 
School curriculum;
Other related source materials;
Professional development trainings for teachers; and
A list of speakers and guest lecturers within each school and related costs.
 
     The legislation also would create a legal right for parents to file lawsuits against school districts that violate the law.
 
Treasurer Fitzpatrick to Launch Annual 12 Days of Unclaimed Property
 
     Missouri State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick is once again reminding Missourians to check the Unclaimed Property list. Beginning December 1 and continuing through December 16, the @MOTreasurer Twitter and Facebook accounts will encourage Missourians to search the Unclaimed Property database for their names and others they know. All posts will use the hashtag #12DaysofUCP.
     Fitzpatrick said, “My office holds over $1 billion in Unclaimed Property and we want to return it to rightful owners—especially as we approach the holidays and Missourians find increased costs at the gas pump and on grocery store shelves this season. While these social posts take a tongue-in-cheek tone about some of the items in the unclaimed property vault and names on the list, I hope Missourians will take a serious look and maybe find an unexpected holiday gift.” 
     State law requires financial institutions, insurance companies, public agencies and other business entities to turn over unclaimed assets to the Treasurer’s Office. Most Unclaimed Property consists of cash from bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and contents of safe deposit boxes that have been abandoned. It can also include uncollected insurance policy proceeds, government refunds, utility deposits, and wages from past jobs.
     The Treasurer’s Office currently manages over $1 billion in unclaimed assets in more than five million owner accounts. Unclaimed Property is waiting for one in ten Missourians, and the average return is nearly $300. Missourians can search and claim Unclaimed Property year-round at ShowMeMoney.com.
 

​     Several high-quality teams competed in the Grain Valley Invitational wrestling tournament Saturday, December 4th.
     After losing a handful of seniors from last season’s team, the host Eagles showed they will still have a strong team for the 2021-22 season.
     Grain Valley took fourth, finishing with 184.5 points, just four points behind third-place Van Horn. Liberty North won the tournament with 283 points.
     The Eagles had a pair of wrestlers win their brackets and five other place in the top four of their respective weight classes.
     Tanner Barker (152), who was a state qualifier last season at 138 pounds, got an impressive win in the finals against Odessa’s Shon Badder, who is a three-time state medalist and a one-time state champion.
     The Grain Valley junior overcame a 2-0 deficit and got a takedown and near fall in the third period to earn a 6-4 victory and improve to 7-0 on the season.
     “I wrestled him before and he had the same game plan and didn’t really switch it up,” Baker said of Badder. “I just kept snap faking and he was getting tired of it. I just pressured and he broke.”
     While Barker is someone who could make some noise for the Eagles this season, Dru Azcona (126) is a junior who could do the same.
     The two-time state qualifier got pins in four out of five of his tournament matches and capped it with a dominant 7-0 win against Fort Osage’s Rylan Mansfield.
     “It’s not going to be the last (win), that’s all I can say,” Azcona said. “I want to keep going and hopefully get to the top.”
     Gavin Parks (113) took second for the Eagles after winning his first four matches and getting pinned by Liberty North’s Michael Domino in his final bout. Jace Worthington (170) got pinned in the semifinals by Liberty North’s Nathan Sola, but rebounded for 11-0 major decision in the third-place match against Keaton Belsha.
     Colston Parks (106) was fifth, Brock Smith (120) was fourth, Tyler Groves (132) was fifth, Kollin Hanshuld (138) was fourth, O.T. Frederick (195) was fourth and Andrew Czeschin (285) was fifth.

     Grain Valley head girls basketball coach Randy Draper said he knew his team was going to be good going into the 2021-22 season.
     However, he didn’t expect his team to play the way it did through its first three games in the Winnetonka Tournament.
     And that’s a good thing.
     The Eagles dominated, winning by an average margin of 28.3 points per game and that was capped by their 64-29 blowout of Grandview in the championship game of the Cardinal Division Friday at Winnetonka High School.
     “I didn’t think we could do what we did tonight yet,” Draper said of his thoughts before the season started. “We were really good tonight! We just shared the ball and played. People love watching the girls play because of how they share the ball.”
     A big reason for the rout was the defense, especially in the first half. Grain Valley held Grandview to just 10 points in the first 16 minutes. The team closed out and contested 3-point shooters, didn’t allow players to get open off screens and made good rotations to make it tough for the Bulldogs to get open looks or layups.
     “They have some great offensive players like Ciaira Smith, and we knew if we wanted to be in this game, we would have to defend, and that’s what kept us in the game,” said Eagles junior Grace Slaughter, who outscored Grandview by herself with a game-high 30 points, 29 of which came in the first half.
     “We were able to get the defensive boards, push the ball and get layups. And we hustled back on defense so they couldn’t get their offense going.”
     Sophomore point guard McKenah Sears scored all five of her points in the third quarter to help Grain Valley extend its lead to 55-24 going in a fourth period in which they had a turbo clock. In the final period, the Eagles outscored the Bulldogs 9-5.
     “Offensively, we were really good. We were good on both ends,” Draper said. “We’ve been as good as we’ve been. (Smith) over there is a great player and they have a couple girls who shoot it well, too. We did a pretty good job getting to them and did a good job rebounding the basketball.”
     While Slaughter dominated on offense like she usually does, sophomore shooting guard Finley LaForge has emerged as another scoring threat for the Eagles. In this game, she had 16 points, including a trio of 3-pointers.
     “People don’t understand how good she is,” Draper said. “They’re starting to figure that out. She’s just a good basketball player. She sees people, she sees Grace and she can shoot it.”
     Slaughter echoed Draper’s sentiments.
     “It just makes me so excited because that just makes multiple threats on a team,” Slaughter said. “Getting both going on offense … teams can’t always (play zone defense or man-to-man defense). We have so many different scoring threats. Meghan (Knust) in the short corner, Ella (Clyman), Finley and McKenah (Sears) are all hitting threes.”
     Slaughter was named to the all-tournament team after averaging 34.6 points per game.

     A love story that began at marching band practice entered its next chapter over Thanksgiving weekend at the spot where it all began.
     Cheyanne Arnold (GVHS 2017) and Andrew Craig (GVHS 2018) met for the first time as members of the Grain Valley Marching Eagles in 2014 on the 38 yard line during practice. Craig’s marching route on the field caused him to step on Arnold’s flag on the count of 1 as she was supposed to stand up from behind a box and begin her routine.                  
     The band directors told Cheyanne she had to hit count 1.  She finally told them, “I can’t!  The freshman’s on my flag!”  The freshman was Andrew Craig at the 38 yard line. 
     Craig surprised Arnold by proposing on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, on the spot on the 38 yard line where it all began. 
     Craig said he created an excuse to get Arnold out of the house by claiming he needed something from the grocery store. Once the couple headed out, their families headed over to the high school football field. As the couple left the store, Craig volunteered to drive and headed the opposite way toward the high school. Arnold was confused, but wasn’t really expecting a proposal, as she said both of their families had strongly suggested they wait until both graduated from college to become engaged.
     “When we got to the field and I found the spot where it all began, I told her this spot started the best 8 years of my life, and it was the best mistake I ever made,” Craig said.
     They began dating in December 2014 and have been together ever since.  Arnold was a member of the Grain Valley Color Guard and Winter Guard. Craig played the trumpet in the Marching Eagles, pep, and concert bands.   
     The couple were members of the 2016 GV Marching Eagles who traveled to New York City to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and were asked to perform on Good Morning America.   
     Arnold graduated in 2017 and went on to K-State where she has obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture with an emphasis on Landscape Design and Greenhouse Management.  She is currently employed by Ryan Lawn & Tree as a landscape designer.  Andrew is a Senior at K-State and will be obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology in May 2022.   The couple is planning a Fall 2022 wedding.
 

     Join Truman Heritage Habitat for their 2nd Annual Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays Contest.  Calling all supporters, bakers, artists, amateurs, children, seniors, and everyone in-between: join with other to build a house and raise money to help families in the community.
     Sign up your group: business, church, club, organization, friend group, or family.  Set up your fundraising page, set your fundraising goal and build your gingerbread home. The public will “vote” for their favorite through their donation. 
     All funds raised empower families to access safe, healthy, stable housing. The Gingerbread Houses will be displayed in storefronts around Eastern Jackson County in the Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays Tour of Homes. You can show off your creation to friends and you win prizes!
     Visit the following link to sign up.
https://trumanhabitat.org/gingerbread/
Entry Deadline: December 8, 2021
Homes will be on display: December 9, 2021 – January 3, 2022
     Homes locations: Independence, Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Sugar Creek, Raytown, Grandview.  A complete list of display locations will be announced shortly. Gingerbread Home Winners and Top Fundraising Team and Individual Announced on January 8, 2022.
 

     Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. today issued Executive Order 21-30 announcing the Reapportionment Committee of the County Legislature. In accordance with the Constitutional Home Rule Charter of Jackson County, County Executive White selected three nominees from a slate of six submitted by the Democratic and Republican County Committees.                 
     Each of the appointed committee members represent the six county legislative districts.
 
Mr. Bobbie Hernandez (D) 1st Legislative District
Ms. Shalonn “Kiki” Curls (D) 2nd Legislative District
Mr. Paul Jungmann (R) 3rd Legislative District
Mr. Ralph Munyan (R) 4th Legislative District
Ms. Ruth Pirch (R) 5th Legislative District
Mr. Phil LeVota (D) 6th Legislative District
 
     “Jackson County is growing larger and more diverse,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said.
     “In the last 10 years, we have grown faster than major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, Chicago, St. Louis City and St. Louis County. Additionally, I am proud to say that we are the most diverse County in the State of Missouri. As we work to build a better, more equitable Jackson County, the effort of this committee is critical to ensuring our residents have equal and fair representation for the next 10 years. I appreciate their service and my staff and I stand ready to assist as needed.”
     Following the opportunity to receive input from the public, the committee must issue a report detailing legislative districts that are “compact, of contiguous territory and as nearly of equal population as practicable.” The report shall be filed with the County Executive’s Office, the Clerk of Legislature and the relevant election authorities within 60 days of the Committee’s appointment.
 

​    Let's face it, we all love our smart devices and most of you probably can't imagine a minute without them. I'm even guilty of it, but we all need to unplug sometimes and take a break from technology, especially during the holidays.
     It's important to capture those special moments, but you don't have to post every photo on every social media site to show how your holiday was. This holiday season, focus on putting your phones down and interacting with the people around you.
     Need help? Here are 6 ways you can unplug and recharge this holiday season.
 
     1.No Devices at Mealtime. Designate all mealtimes as periods where devices are put away and face-to-face conversation can be had. That's how our grandparents used to do it!
     2. Discuss and write down goals. Let your kids be a part of setting the goals and sharing their input. Schedule (limited) time that both the kids and parents can use technology.
     3. Stick to your guns. Like every good goal, it needs to be enforced. Parents, let your kids know you are serious and set tech time limits. Your kids can help keep you in line as well.
     4. Use technology together. If you must have access to the Internet and use technology, use it together. Look for games and activities on apps that everyone can play together.
     5. Don't check it if there isn't a notification. Kids watch and learn from their parents. If you are constantly checking your phone, your kids will too. Think before you check; use downtime to improve family time rather than your relationship with friends and coworkers. 
     6. Go old-fashioned style. Challenge each other to have fun offline. Play versions of your favorite games that don't require technology. Get creative!
 
     Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to [email protected]. If you prefer to connect with me on social media, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter and watch great tech tip videos on our YouTube channel. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I want to make technology fun and exciting for you.

     If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team at Integral. My team of friendly tech experts is always standing by to answer your questions and help make your technology useful and fun. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829.
 

Mr. Stinky Feet's Christmas 
December 14, 2021
10:00am—10:45am
Celebrate this festive season while singing along to holiday tunes! Jim will read from his book, Hark It's Harold the Angel. To enjoy this virtual program, go to our MCPL360 Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mcpl360/ at the scheduled day and time.
 
Celebrate the Winter Solstice with Mr. Stinky Feet
December 21, 2021
10:00am—10:45am
Let's rock 'n roll and shake off our cabin fever! To enjoy this virtual program, go to our MCPL360 Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mcpl360/ at the scheduled day and time.
 
Frosty Morning: Sounds of Christmas
December 21, 2021
7:00pm—7:45pm
Get into the spirit of Christmas as Frosty Morning presents a collection of holiday favorites on Hammered Dulcimer and Guitar. Registration is required. To enjoy this virtual program, go to our MCPL360 Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mcpl360 at the scheduled day and time.
 
Mad Science Holiday Show
December 22, 2021
4:00pm—4:45pm
Celebrate the season with Mad Science! Students will visit Santa Eggbert, defrost a snowman, and watch bubbling bubbles of fun in this wacky holiday adventure. Program registration will close 30 minutes prior to the start of the program. Participants will be emailed a Zoom access code 15 minutes before the start of the program. So please include your email in the registration. Please note: You must sign into the room prior to the start of the program. Admittance to the classroom will close five minutes after the program's start time. Space is limited.
 
For more information, visit www.mymcpl.org/events.
 

     Did you know that kids who regularly help in the kitchen grow up confident to prepare their own meals? As a result, they’ll not only learn how to eat balanced meals, but they may become less picky, too.
     If there’s one thing that brings people together, it’s food – so choose a recipe, grab an apron, and reap the benefits of time together in the kitchen. How to include the littles? Let’s find out:
 
     Come One, Come All: Little kids, big kids – there’s no age limit when it comes to cooking. Sure, the task will need to be different, but even a child as young as 2 years old can help.
     A mixing bowl and spoon can do wonders for the little ones, and asking school-age kids to help measure ingredients can promote concentration and math skills.

     Designate Special Tools: Colorful mixing bowls, nifty spatulas, a homemade apron – show kids that cooking should be fun and enjoyed. With their own gadgets and gear, they’ll be asking for homemade meals more often.

     Make, Taste, Enjoy: Who doesn’t love a little taste test? If you find that you have some picky personalities on your hands – helping in the kitchen is key.
     Kids are more likely to eat what the make. Therefore, bring out all the food groups and use them in different ways. The more exposure to foods, the better.

     Deciding Factor: Turn the trickiest question of the day around and ask your kids – “What’s for dinner tonight?” Allowing your kids to come up with meal ideas can help elevate some stress throughout the week. If you find that they only suggest their go-to foods (example: mac-n-cheese), offer a choice: 
     Would you like spaghetti or tacos tonight? They’ll feel empowered that they got to make this mealtime call and their diet will be full of variety, too.

     Customer in Training: Grab the little toddler cart and make your way through the grocery aisles together. A meal begins with a plan. Therefore, expose them to all the options within the grocery store. Have them pick up fun foods, yet look at healthier options, too.
 
     As parents, we pass many skills down to our children. Make sure the ability to cook is one of them (regardless if you’re a great chef or not).
 
     The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.