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by Michael Smith The Kansas City Stampede is a high school wrestling tournament many consider even more difficult to win than the Missouri state tournament. That is because some of the best wrestlers from around the Midwest area and even other states come to the event to face some of the best competition available. There were teams at the tournament this weekend from Georgia, Tennessee, Colorado, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Louisiana, Iowa, Alabama and Missouri. Even against high-level competition, Grain Valley senior Sevi Aumua (140 pounds) dominated. She pinned all five of her opponents, including Columbia Rock Bridge senior Socorro Rodriguez in 1:52 during the championship match of her bracket, winning her second consecutive individual Stampede championship. “This was definitely one of the more difficult tournaments I have had this season,” Aumua said. Her teammate Jayden Moehle (235) also made it to the championship match but took second place after falling to Liberty’s Alexis Stinson. As a team, Grain Valley placed 15th with 77 points. Nixa won with 219. Aumua, who is the favorite to win her third straight state title in February, showed why she is one of the best wrestlers in the state over the weekend. Her toughest match came against Yukon, Oklahoma’s Trysten Rittberger in the semifinals, a match in which she got a pin in 5:18. Every other pin came in the first period. “I think I did well on my movement and my shots,” Aumua said. “I stayed aggressive and when I was on top, I knew what I was going to go for.” Moehle had pins in her first three matches before winning via an ultimate tiebreaker, 5-4, against Aaliyah Grammer of Lafayette Wildwood. She then fell to Stinson in the championship match, 6-3. “I wrestled pretty good (in the semifinals),” Moehle said. “In (the championship match) I could have done better because I did a desperation dive on my shot. My shots are something that I have been working on.” Sophomore Adalia Del Real (155) was another Eagle who placed in the top eight as she took eighth place after going 3-3 in the tournament. On the boys side, Gavin Parks (126) and Sjoeren Aumua (144) had the most success for Grain Valley, both finishing with a 3-2 mark. No boys Eagles wrestlers placed in the top eight.  Grain Valley senior Sevi Aumua pinned all five of her opponents to take first place at the Kansas City Stampede tournament in the girls 140-pound weight class. Photo credit: Michael Smith  Grain Valley sophomore Jayden Moehle took second place in the 235-pound weight division. Photo credit: Michael Smith  by Michael Smith The Grain Valley boys basketball team hung with Blue Springs South in a tightly-contested game. The Eagles led 25-23 at halftime and went into the fourth tied at 42-all in the non-conference contest. It seemed like anyone’s game at the time, but a combination of turnovers, the lack of rebounding and a South offense that was able to get to the rim at will led to a 62-52 loss Friday on the road. There were six lead changes at the beginning of the fourth period. Grain Valley’s last lead came when sophomore Eli Herbert came off a screen and hit a 3-pointer from the right wing to put his team up 48-47. South immediately responded when senior Gunnar Guinnee drove to the basket and fed an underhanded pass to junior center Suldan Mohamed, who made the layup to put his team ahead for good. That play sparked a 7-0 run for the Jaguars to create enough separation to hold off Grain Valley. During that time, a pair of Grain Valley turnovers and offensive rebounds from Guinnee and Mohamed led to putback layups, fueling the spurt. “The offensive rebounds were the backbreaker,” Grain Valley head coach Andy Herbert said. “When you force a miss, you have to finish the play and we didn’t do a great job of that.” “Part of that is that you have to help and your big guy is out of position and can’t box out. They executed down the stretch better than we did.” The South defense clamped down on Grain Valley as the Eagles shot just 5 for 13 from the field (38 percent). After the 7-0 run, South made just 5 of 8 attempts from the free throw line, but the Eagles couldn’t generate enough offense to overcome the deficit. Grain Valley (4-2) led 14-13 at the end of the first period thanks to 11 points from junior Aaron Barr, who also made a pair of 3-pointers. Herbert then put his offensive imprint on the game in the second quarter when he scored seven points to help his team take a 25-23 lead at halftime. The game continued to be close throughout the third as Guinnee converted a conventional 3-point play with 7 seconds left in the third to put South ahead 41-38, but Herbert ended up hitting a three at the buzzer to tie it. The Eagles kept pace with the Jaguars until midway through the fourth period. Twelve of South’s 21 fourth-quarter points came in the paint as it got to the rim frequently throughout the contest. “That’s what they do. They are good at,” Andy Herbert said of the Jaguars getting points in the paint. “They did a good job of sticking to what they are good at.” Herbert scored a game-high 17 points, Barr added 13 and senior forward Stylz Blackmon had 11 for Grain Valley.  Grain Valley senior Eli Herbert looks to drive past a Blue Springs South defender in a 62-52 loss Friday on the road. Herbert finished with a game-high 17 points. Photo credit: Michael Smith  Grain Valley senior Stylz Blackmon, right, dribbles the ball as he looks to get the ball to teammate Eli Herbert. Photo credit: Michael Smith by Cory Unrein, Co-Owner/Publisher, Grain Valley News
(originally published 12/15/22 - updated 12/14/2023) In what has become an annual tradition, we close out this year with the reprinting of one of the most famous newspaper editorials of all time, reprinted in dozens of languages and gracing countless posters, books, stamps, and other media. In 1897, eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon went to a trusted source, New York's Sun, with a burning question. The unsigned response, penned by newsman Francis Pharcellus Church, became an instant classic and rightly so. Each year, I am surprised at how emotional I become by reading this piece and find something new to cling to in this hectic time of year. A look at our inbox messages could easily see how I might be attracted to Church's passage about "the skepticism of a skeptical age". But this year, it is this passage that called to me: "Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding." We will be taking a holiday break until January 2nd and look forward to continuing to serve the Grain Valley community in the new year. We are so appreciative of your readership, and wish you a 2024 full of faith, fancy, poetry, love, and all things real and abiding. DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, ‘If you see it in THE SUN it’s so.’ Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus? VIRGINIA O’HANLON. 115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET. VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge. Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished. Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world. You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding. No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood. Source: “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus” | Newseum Student artists from Grain Valley South Middle School will be featured Friday, December 15th at a Pawportunties Portrait Project event from 5:00pm - 7:30pm at the school. The event will include a silent auction of pet portraits created by students. Funds raised will be used for medical equipment, food, and other supplies for animals cared for by Pawportunties. There will be 60+ paintings/drawings to bid on to raise money for Pawportunites. The organization will be on site to answer any questions about their fostering, volunteering, and adoption policies, and there will also be adoptable animals at the event.  by Cole Arndorfer The Grain Valley Schools Board of Education met on December 7 for their monthly meeting. The meeting consisted of recognition for state qualifiers on the swim and dive team, reports on high school construction, tax levy information, CSIP priority progress report, information from the finance committee meeting, and one item under board policies. First, the board recognized the high school swim and dive team and their coach, Julie Reilly. The team had a successful year, breaking seven school records. All three divers finished in the top ten at the state competition; Gage Wright finished third, Kollin Hansuld finished fifth, and Asa Keim finished tenth. As a team, swim and dive finished 18th at the state championships. Reilly was proud of her team’s performance this year and said, “if you didn’t get out and see boys swim and dive this year, you missed the best show in town.” Following the recognition, the board moved into the report portion of the meeting. Spencer Brown and Ben Vanderau from Newkirk Novak gave the board a six-month update on construction at the high school. In their report, they said that the team hit a major milestone recently after completing the roof on the new gym. According to their report, all areas of the project are about two weeks ahead of schedule, meaning the weight room would be completed around mid-April and the gym would be completed by the beginning of August. Next, the board discussed information for a tax levy ballot issue for the April election. Superintendent Dr. Brad Welle said that the district is recommending to the board a 65-cent operating levy increase, while dropping the debt service tax levy by 40-cents, equating a 25-cent net increase for taxpayers. This increase is expected to generate $3.6 million for the district. The purpose of this increase would be to improve the district’s pay for teachers and other employees, as well as other district needs that will come up closer to April. This item will be brought back as an action item at the board’s January meeting. After the tax levy discussion, Dr. Amanda Allen and Dr. Nick Gooch went over the CSIP priorities progress update. Both Allen and Gooch said that the district is on track to complete, or has completed their priorities for the year. A couple pieces of the priorities will be brought back in the spring, but they feel confident that they will successfully complete them by the end of the year. Following the CSIP update, Welle directed the board to the finance committee’s recent meeting minutes. The board did not discuss these minutes but Welle wanted to be sure they are kept informed on what the committee discussed. The final item was under board polices. The board approved a policy that stated in order for a candidate to qualify for school board election, they must have lived within the district for at least one year prior to the election. The board then moved into executive session. The next school board meeting will take place on January 18, 2024 at 6 pm in the Leadership Center.  by Cole Arndorfer The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met on December 11th. This meeting included an oath of office for police officer Justin Pereria, recognition for three members of the VIPS program, three new resolutions, one ordinance, and city staff and mayor’s reports. Grain Valley VIPS (Volunteers in Public Service) James Garcia, Wayne Morey, and Kelli Schuette were recognized by Police Chief Ed Turner and Judge Susan Watkins. The VIPS program allows citizens to get involved with the police department and the community by volunteering their time for different projects and events within the community. Watkins said that Garcia, Morey, and Schuette are among the most active in the program and they could not do the work they do without their help. Each of them was presented with a plaque to recognize their service. After the recognitions, the board moved into resolutions. First, the board approved a resolution to write off outstanding balances from utility accounts deemed uncollectable. This particular set of balances equals about $12,000 and is from 2019. Next, the board approved a resolution to amend the 2023 budget. This was the final amendment of the 2023 budget and is done yearly in order to accurately reflect the actual expenditures and revenue of the city throughout the year. Finally, the board approved the final resolution, allowing the city to enter into an agreement with Andrews Technology. This agreement will provide a web-based attendance system for city employees. Under ordinances, the board passed the only bill on the agenda. This bill went along with the second resolution and confirms amending the 2023 budget. The vote was unanimous at 6-0. City staff reports started with Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Davies. Davies said that the department will be offering their tree disposal site again this year. Citizens can drop off their real trees from December 26-January 11 at Armstrong Park, next to the baseball fields. Davies also said that the 2–5-year-old playground at Armstrong Park has recently been removed in order for the new all-inclusive playground to be put in early next year. Police Chief Ed Turner reported the department will be doing their yearly Shop with a Cop event on December 20. Turner said that the event offers a great opportunity for the department to engage with the community and that 25 children are signed up to participate.  The following information is derived from Grain Valley Police Department daily calls service log for the week of December 5-12, 2023. December 5, 2023 200 Blk NE Kim Ct residence check 600 Blk SW Tisha suspicious person PHQ citizen contact 3000 Blk S Outer civil matter 700 Blk Main property damage 1000 Blk Eagle Ridge citizen contact 200 Blk Katie disturbance 700 Blk NW Green Dr property damage December 6, 2023 900 Blk NW Maplewood Ct Animal at large 600 Blk NW Yennie Ave Recovered stolen auto Main/I-70 Motor vehicle accident 700 Blk RD Mize Rd Property damage December 7, 2023 600 Blk SW Whitestone Alarm 1000 Blk Ashley Ln Civil standby PHQ Citizen Contact 800 Blk Cross Creek Animals at large 1000 Blk NW Woodbury Motor vehicle accident 900 Blk Cedar Ln Disturbance 200 Blk SW Eagles Pkwy Disturbance PHQ Public Service SB BB From Buckner area check 1000 Blk NW Jefferson St Alarm 700 Blk NW Green Dr area check 200 Blk SW Eagles Pkwy Disturbance Buckner Tarsney/North City Limits Agency Assist 1000 Blk NW Jefferson Alarm 200 Blk SW Eagles Pkwy Assault 1000 blk Blue branch Dr welfare check December 8, 2023 800 Blk San Karr Follow up 900 Blk NW Redbud Dr Citizen Contact 1000 Blk Rd Mize Rd Past Property damage 700 Blk N Main St Alarm 1000 Blk Eagles Pkwy Fraud Hamilton/SNI Suspicious vehicle 100 Blk Sunny Stand by 200 Blk Kim Ct Runaway December 9, 2023 East R D Mize Rd Area Check 40/LEFHOLTZ Agency Assist PHQ Citizen Contact 800 Blk San Kar Dr Stolen vehicle 1000 Blk Addie Agency Assist 100 Blk S Main Property Damage 1000 Blk Crestwood Alarm 300 Blk Front Disturbance BSPD Agency Assist December 10, 2023 1000 Blk S Buckner Tarsney Alarm Ryan/Minter Area Check PHQ Recovered Stolen Auto 100 Blk Sunny Disturbance PHQ Citizen Contact 100 Blk Front Abandon Auto PHQ Citizen Contact 200 Blk NW Parker Dr Suspicious Activity SW Graystone Dr Citizen Contact PHQ Citizen Contact 1000 Blk NW Pond Ave Disturbance December 11, 2023 I-70/Main Careless Driving 1000 Blk NW Valley Woods Ct Found Property 500 Blk SW Valley Dr Alarm 600 Blk Capelle St Attempt citizen contact 1000 Blk NW Scenic Runaway December 12, 2023 1000 Blk Bush Stolen Auto PHQ Citizen Contact 200 Blk NW Michael Suspicious Vehicle 100 Blk E Rockcreek Ln Trash Dumping Yennie/Kirby Motor vehicle accident 500 SW Eagles Pkwy Motor vehicle accident PHQ Public Service 200 Blk NE Kim Ct Suspicious Activity Additional calls for service: Suicidal subject: 1 CIT/Mental Health Check: 1 
When the holiday season rolls around, it’s not just Santa Claus that’s coming to town. Scammers, hackers, bots, and all sorts of other nefarious actors will always be around, waiting in the wings to take advantage of eager and ignorant consumers, travelers, and revelers. Beware, but do not fear! Here are some top tips to keep yourself, your loved ones, your data, and your finances safe and sound, enjoying the yuletide with concerns at bay. 1. Traveling with Technology. Turn on Find My Device to keep track of your gadgets as you're traveling. Stay off public Wi-Fi networks. Beware, many third-party power adapters are not made well and can cause problems with your device’s battery or power supply. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures. If the device does become extremely hot or cold, let it return to normal room temperature before you turn it on. 2. Be careful when purchasing tech gadgets as gifts. There are tons of ads out there during the holiday season aiming to seduce you into buying new technological gadgets. Things like that fancy new smart razor for your husband; a sleeved blanket that pairs with your smartphone and glows in the dark; talking dolls, internet-connected coffee makers; and the list goes on. The biggest tip here is to pay attention to the brand. So many cutting-edge gadgets are poorly constructed or sacrifice quality for cheapness, many of them won’t even last until next Christmas. Only buy tech toys like these from brands you trust, and know that as a general rule, you get what you pay for. 3. Limit kids time on their devices. Schools are almost out for Winter which means your kids will want to spend more time on their tech devices. If at all possible, limit your kids to no more than 3 hours a day on their devices. No devices in their rooms and if you can make it work, connect their devices to a separate wireless network which you can turn off as needed. 4. Keep Tech in its Place. Probably most importantly, remember that the holiday season is a time of sharing, giving, love, and praise. Whatever you do, don’t let your technology take you away from those most precious moments with family and friends. You can use features on your phone like Do Not Disturb and Focus settings to suppress notifications and reduce distractions. You can set schedules and custom wallpapers to remind you to put your phone down. You could even disconnect completely and turn your phone off (don’t worry, you’ll be fine!). Technology has its uses, but when you are in the presence of loved ones, make sure the focus is where it should be. Hopefully this will give you some ideas of what you can do with you to be tech safe and productive during the holiday season. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Need computer repair service near you? My company Integral offers the highest quality computer repair service nationwide. 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. Our team of friendly tech experts organization can help you with any IT needs you might have. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829.   by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Some of you may recall seeing this photograph before. While it was chosen for December in the Historical Society’s 2023 calendar, I previously ran this picture with an article in The Valley News in April of 2021, over 2 ½ years ago. The photograph, taken in 1939, is believed to be the Glee Club. I was first attracted to the picture because of the matching dresses, but mostly because of the shoes and socks. I learned that nylon stockings made their grand debut in a splashy display at the 1939 World's Fair in New York. They were not released for sale to the public until May 15, 1940. During this post-depression, pre-WWII period silk stockings were far too expensive and probably difficult to find! Thus, we have socks! While I do not recognize everyone in the photograph, I will point out those I do know. According to the 1939 yearbook, the music teacher is Mrs. Raymond Scott. Row one: Norma Jean (Williams) Carmack is the first student and next to her is Eugenia Williamson. The fifth girl in the front row is Benola Tate, followed by Sue (Caldwell) McBroom, Elouise (Stumpp) Shrout and Earlene (Tate) Mueller. In the second row, I believe the fourth girl is Dorothy Savage followed by Susie Reeder. As far as the men, the third row starts with Herbert Sebolt. The third boys is Norman McBroom, followed by Robert Wolfe. On the back row I recognize the second and third boys as Jack Mueller and Keith Shrout. The 1939 yearbook was only the third one published by the students at GVHS. Like the 1936 and 1938 books (none was published in 1937) the books only had a section for faculty and the Board of Education, and a section for each grade which included individual photographs along with the class history and class prophecy. The first several books had random activity pages, sometimes the basketball team, the drama club, a school play, or a few candid shots. But the kind of pictures like the one above were evidently taken for the students involved in group. It wasn’t until the 1941 publication that the yearbooks began to feature student organizations, like band, choir, the publications class, student council and sports. The elementary grades began to appear in the late 1940s. This is the last publication of the Valley News for 2023 as the publishers take a two-week break, AND SO DO I! I’ll be back in January with a series on houses in a around town. Merry Christmas and best wishes for a joyous New Year. See you in 2024! 
As we gear up for 2024, it’s time to dive into the blend of time-honored traditions and exciting new trends that will shape our upcoming year. In a world that’s always on the move, the way we celebrate the end of one year and the start of another is constantly evolving. One thing we’re gladly leaving behind in 2023 is restrictive diets. It’s time to embrace a more balanced and holistic approach to well-being, focusing on nourishing our bodies with a diverse range of foods rather than sticking to rigid dietary rules. We’ve realized that these restrictive diets often do more harm than good, promoting unsustainable and unhealthy habits. Instead, people are adopting intuitive eating, being more mindful of what they consume, and placing greater emphasis on the quality of their ingredients. It’s a refreshing shift toward sustainable and flexible wellness, where we understand that true health encompasses both body and soul. If you need some guidance on making this transition, Hy-Vee dietitians can help you make the switch while ensuring you’re nourishing your body appropriately. Another trend that’s keeping its momentum into 2024: the rise of plant-based ingredients. With new research showing the health benefits of consuming more plants and a wide variety of plants in our diets in addition to sustainability of food production methods and crops, more and more consumers are turning to plant-based options. Whether it’s meatless burgers that taste just like the real deal or innovative dairy alternatives, these plant-based ingredients have moved from being niche to becoming mainstream staples in our kitchens and at restaurants. As we step into the new year, the plant-based movement is firmly rooted in our culinary and cultural landscape. As a Hy-Vee dietitian, I would be happy to help you navigate a plant-based approach when it comes to your diet in 2024! There’s another exciting new trend we’re eager to embrace in 2024, and that’s allergy-friendly dining and heightened awareness of food allergies. It’s a trend that’s not limited to those with dietary restrictions; it symbolizes a more considerate and inclusive approach to food. Restaurants and food manufacturers are making a stronger commitment to providing safe and delicious options for individuals with allergies, sensitivities and dietary restrictions. And it goes beyond just gluten or nuts: It encompasses a wide range of allergens. By embracing these inclusive food practices, the industry sends a powerful message that everyone deserves the joy of a great meal, regardless of their dietary needs. You can already see this trend in action with Hy-Vee’s dietitian picks of the month, like General Mills gluten-free cereals and Sweet Loren’s cookie dough. Both companies are proud to offer many delicious gluten-free products. If you’re on the hunt for unique and meaningful family traditions to add some extra sparkle to your New Year’s Eve this year, why not consider adopting the Twelve Grapes tradition from Spain? This charming custom involves eating one grape for each stroke of midnight, with each grape symbolizing good luck for each month of the coming year. It’s a delightful and interactive way to welcome the new year, and it’s suitable for all ages. So as the clock nears midnight on December 31, gather your loved ones, prepare a dozen grapes, and make a wish with each sweet bite. This tradition from across the sea can bring a touch of Spain’s warmth and festivity to your own New Year’s festivities, creating cherished memories and a unique connection to cultures around the world. For more grape-centric ideas for your New Year’s party, check out our Grape and Thyme Baked Brie, below. Cheers to 2024! Grape and Thyme Baked Brie Serves 6 All you need: 1 (8-oz) pkg Brie 1/3 cup Hy-Vee walnut pieces 1 small cluster grapes 1 tbsp Hy-Vee avocado oil 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, plus extra for garnish, if desired ¼ tsp flaky sea salt ¼ tsp Hy-Vee black pepper ¼ cup salted caramel topping All you do:
Nutrition Facts per serving: 270 calories, 23g total fat, 12g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 50mg cholesterol, 300mg sodium, 9g total carbohydrates, 1g dietary fiber, 5g total sugar, 8g protein Recipe source: Grape and Thyme Baked Brie | Hy-Vee Hy-Vee dietitians are eager to help you navigate your nutrition goals as we head into the New Year! If you’re ready to learn how a Hy-Vee dietitian can help you, schedule a complimentary Discovery Session today by contacting our Discovery Call Center via email [email protected] or call (515) 695-3121. The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.  Editors Note: This is the final column from Denise Sullivan, who has contributed outstanding "Plants on your Plate" articles for several years. Denise is retiring in January. Congralulations and thank you, Denise!  by Denise Sullivan Nutrition & Health Education Specialist MU Extension-Jackson County This month’s feature fruit often gets a little more attention during the holiday season, due to its higher availability and bright ruby red color. Oddly enough, this fruit has no real ‘flesh,’ as the true treasure of the pomegranate are the juicy seeds, called arils. The juice is commonly extracted and consumed as is or processed into sauces, jellies, or grenadine syrup. As with most fruits consuming the arils whole, as opposed to juice, will also provide the benefits of fiber. Pomegranates are part of the Punicoideae family and grow in a bushy shrub that can reach 20 feet tall. They are centuries old with a rich botanical, medicinal, and cultural history. Pomegranates are referenced in many religious writings and are seen in ancient drawings and sculptures. Ancient writings often described pomegranates as a sacred fruit that provided fertility, abundance, and luck. With origins in the middle east and the Mediterranean region, pomegranates are primarily grown in India, Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkey. They are also grown domestically in California and some parts of Arizona and Florida. Pomegranates are rich in Vitamin C, potassium, manganese, thiamin, folate, a variety of antioxidants, and a good amount of fiber. Half of a pomegranate contains around 70 calories and 5.5 grams of fiber. 20 plus years of research on pomegranates at UCLA has revealed benefits in heart and blood vessel health, urinary health support, gut health and digestive health benefits, and antimicrobial properties that fight oral germs that cause gum disease and bad breath. Extracting the arils from a pomegranate can be a challenge, but these steps can make the task easier:
Pomegranates have a keeping quality that is similar to that of apples. They should be kept in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, out of direct sunlight. Whole fruit can be refrigerated and will keep as long as 2 months. Fresh seeds or juice will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Consider using the arils in this salad recipe for a tasty and colorful addition to your holiday table this year. Spinach Salad (Makes 4 servings) 10 oz. fresh spinach ¼ medium red onion, thinly sliced ¼ cup alfalfa sprouts ¼ cup chopped walnuts ¼ cup feta cheese crumbles 1 pomegranate, arils separated 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon orange juice 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Nutrition information: Calories: 125, Total Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 300mg, Carbohydrates: 13g, Fiber: 2.4g, Protein: 4g Recipe adapted from University of Florida Citrus Research Center, analyzed by verywellfit.com  by Michael Smith There is an old cliche in sports that states, “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.” For the Grain Valley boys basketball team, it was the opposite in Friday’s non-conference matchup with Fort Osage. The Eagles used a variety of zone defenses in the first period and it flustered the offense of the Indians. They led 17-3 at the end of the first quarter and went on to get a 60-50 victory at home. “We did a great job of communicating and rotating,” Grain Valley veteran head coach Andy Herbert said. “We call it motion defense. There’s rules but you can also ad lib. As long as things get covered it doesn’t matter.” Fort Osage (3-1) outscored Grain Valley (2-1) by four points for the rest of the game, but the big lead the Eagles built in the first quarter ended up being the difference. The Eagles shut off the paint that made it difficult for the Indians to get clean looks there. The rotations to open shooters behind the 3-point line were also sharp for the home team as Fort’s only basket came on a 3-pointer from junior forward Isaac Woodward, the team’s top scorer who was held to just nine points. “We were dialed in and everything we did was with a purpose,” Eli Herbert said. “We had a really good week of practice and getting everything organized. We were ready to play tonight. “When we are good defensively, the offense takes care of itself.” Meanwhile junior Aaron Barr and sophomore Eli Herbert combined to hit two 3-pointers apiece to help build the early lead. One of Herbert’s threes was a buzzer-beater that he heaved up with a defender all over him. Herbert, who is developing into a well-rounded player, finished with a game-high 20 points, grabbed eight rebounds and had four steals. Herbert was a force on offense, on the glass and on defense as he was consistently getting into passing lanes and challenging ball handlers and passers. “It’s about not being one-dimensional, and I have never seen myself as one-dimensional,” Eli Herbert said. “I didn’t want to force threes and wanted to get more downhill. When I am active defensively and on the boards, everything translates better.” Added Andy Herbert: “He’s gotten so much stronger and that helps him do everything better. He was proud of his rebound. He told me, ‘What did you think of that free-throw rebound?” Barr also had himself a game as he chipped in with 12 points, which included a trio of treys. He helped Herbert space the floor from the perimeter which opened up driving lanes and post opportunities for their teammates. “If I got the ball and I was open, I was going to let it fly,” Barr said. “I wanted to take smart shots.” Fort Osage’s offense started to come alive in the second period as it cut the lead to 30-21 going into halftime. In the third, Herbert helped Grain Valley creep the lead up to 48-37 at quarter’s end with a pair of threes early. Barr also had an impressive crossover dribble that helped him deke a Fort defender and he made a circus-style layup while getting fouled. Fort Osage Dylan Ball got his team as close as eight points with a step-back 3-pointer at the top of the key midway through the fourth to make it 53-45. However, Grain Valley senior Logan Marcum, who had eight points, responded with a corner 3-pointer to quash the Indians’ hope of a comeback.  Grain Valley sophomore Eli Herbert heaves a 3-pointer and makes it at the buzzer while being defended by Fort Osage junior Ryver Peppers in the first quarter. He had a game-high 20 points in a 60-50 victory Friday at home. Photo credit: Clara Jaques  Grain Valley junior Aaron Barr unleashes a three from the left wing as he chipped in with 12 points for the Eagles. Photo credit: Clara Jaques  Grain Valley sophomore Samuel Pendergrass tries to corral the pass from a teammate. Photo credit: Clara Jaques The Jacomo Chorale is pleased to announce their Christmas concert will be presented on December 16th at Mission Woods Community of Christ, 2800 Duncan Rd, Blue Springs. The concert, “Merry and Bright” will begin at 7 P.M. Admission is free and donations are gratefully accepted. Products from Equal Exchange, including chocolate bars, teas and coffee, will be available for sale. Equal Exchange is a fair trade co-op. The Jacomo Chorale is a community chorale, now in its 41st season. Founded in 1982, the Chorale presents music from various genres to audiences throughout Eastern Jackson County. The Chorale is currently recruiting for all voice parts. Singers of all levels are encouraged to meet with the director for voice placement (no auditions required) and get a sense of the ensemble. For additional information, please contact Nancy White at 816-560-9148. More information can be found at www.jacomochorale.org.   Filing began this week for the April 2, 2024 municipal election, with at least one candidate filing for each open position. One alderman seat in each of the three wards is open and the current mayoral term for Mayor Mike Todd expires in April. Todd has filed for re-election as has incumbents Ward II Alderman Rick Knox, and Ward III Alderman Ryan Skinner. In Ward I, current alderman Dale Arnold has not filed for reelection, but new candidate Kyle Sole has thrown his hat in the ring in Ward I. Two seats are up on the Grain Valley School Board this April, and both incumbents for these positions, Jared English and Eddie Saffell, have filed as of December 6th. Filing concludes at 5:00pm on December 26, 2023. by Michael Smith Grain Valley senior Gavin Parks sets high standards for himself. He said his emotions got the best of him during the Grain Valley wrestling team’s Senior Night match against Blue Springs Wednesday at home. Parks said he didn’t wrestle his best, but he still managed to get a third-period pin against freshman Jackson Paulsen. He was one of three seniors to earn wins in the Eagles’ 52-27 victory over Blue Springs. The returning state medalist was up 10-2 against Paulsen before he was able to win by fall with just 5 seconds left in the match in the 126-pound bout. “It was a big night,” Parks said. “I am going to get in the room and do better. I wasn’t proud of my performance. I am going to handle my business next time.” Fellow senior Jace Worthington impressed in his first match of the season at 175 pounds. He got a quick takedown against freshman Kade Schmidli and used a wrist and a half to turn him and got a pin in the first period. “I went out there and got the W. That’s what I wanted, but I am never satisfied,” Worthington said. “I feel like I executed my snatch single very, very well and when I was on top I executed my wrist and a half very well.” Senior Ethan Jones (138 pounds), who is in his second year wrestling on the varsity squad, got an impressive win as he pinned senior Korbin Schmidli from the top position in the second period. Jones said wrestling on Senior Night had a different feel to it than a normal match. “There’s definitely a lot more momentum coming into this match,” Jones said. “It’s definitely something special. I had most of my family here. It was a bigger match for me personally but the team did well as a whole.” Grain Valley head coach Donald Horner said he was proud of the way his seniors wrestled, including Camden Nelson, who fell by tech fall against Blue Springs senior Greg Dillon. “Camden came back from two years of not wrestling and did well against a really tough opponent,” Horner said. “I couldn’t be happier for our seniors. They have helped build this program and are helping it in the right direction.” Other Eagles to earn victories were freshman Sam Garrett (106) by forfeit, junior Colston Parks (113) by a first-period pin, sophomore Zac Bleess (120) by a first-period pin, freshman Sjoeren Aumua (145) by a first-period fall, sophomore Caine Nelson (150) by a second period pin and Gavin Barker (215) by a 15-5 major decision. Girls Grain Valley and Blue Springs split a pair of contested matches, but the Eagles had four forfeit wins as it took a 30-3 team victory. Two-time state champion Sevi Aumua (145), a senior, pinned sophomore Ari Bartholomew in 39 seconds. Juniors Adalia Del Real (155) and Mackenzie Davis (125), sophomore Jayden Moehle (235), and freshman Lucy Dampf (135) all won by forfeit for the Eagles.  Grain Valley sophomore Caine Nelson gains control of his opponent, Grady Wooderson of Blue Springs as he went on to get a pin in the second period. Photo credit: Clara Jaques  Grain Valley senior Ethan Jones, top, went on to win by fall against Blue Springs senior Korbin Schmidli during his team's 52-27 victory Wednesday at home on Senior Night. Photo credit: Clara Jaques |
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