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by Michael Smith The Grain Valley boys’ basketball team got a big addition to their team this season – literally and figuratively. The 6-foot-8 center was formerly homeschooled, played for Kansas East Christian Academy last season, and led all Kansas City metro are basketball players with 13 rebounds per game a year ago. Now, he comes of the bench as a backup center to junior Sam Pendergrass, and he showed his impact in Friday’s Suburban White Conference game against Fort Osage. Johnson was one of four Eagles in double figures with 14 points, he also added six rebounds and three blocks to help Grain Valley earn a 70-55 victory on the Road. “Kevin played amazing, he was really good,” Grain Valley junior Eli Herbert said. “He was so active.” He went up against Fort Osage’s 6-foot-6-star center Isaac Woodward and got the better of the matchup. Pendergrass and Johnson held Woodward in check, holding him to just eight points. Johnson also set good screens throughout, and one even led to him getting an open layup. He set an off-ball screen on a Fort defender in the second quarter just outside the restricted area. That freed up forward Evan Colston to receive a pass near the free throw line. When an Indian defender rotated to guard Colston, Johnson rolled to the basket and received a pass for a wide-open made layup. He also had three offensive rebounds that led to six points for himself and scored a critical eight points in the fourth to help the Eagles close out the game and maintain a double-digit lead. “That was a focus for this week,” Grain Valley head coach Andy Herbert said. “We have big bodies; we need to screen people. We did a very good job of that. With his body type, that’s right in Kevin’s wheelhouse. “Kevin is a big, strong kid He’s competitive. He’s a very sweet kid, but he’s very competitive. Isaac is the best post man he’s played, and he and Sam did a good job.” Johnson said he was pleased with the way he played Friday. “I posted up well and did everything the best I could,” Johnson said. “I made all my shots except my free throws. I love plays that involve picks because it gets guys open and can get me open under the basket.” Johnson wasn’t the only one for the Eagles to have a good game as Eli Herbert led the team with 19 points, senior guard Aaron Barr added 12 and junior Anthony Juarez also had 12. Juarez is in his in his first year starting as a small forward for Grain Valley (2-3). He did a little bit of everything as he defended well on the perimeter got out in transition and scored on the fast break and hit a corner 3-pointer in the third quarter. “He’s good. He does it all for us,” Eli Herbert said of Juarez. “When he plays confident, he’s so good. He was hitting open shots today. That’s when he’s at his best when he is playing free.” The Eagles led 10-8 at the end of the first quarter and were powered by five points from Barr and dominated the paint in the second period with 10 points in that area, with of those coming off assists as Grain Valley went into halftime up 29-22. The Eagles outscored Fort Osage 21-15 in the third quarter to enter the fourth up 50-36 and were powered by an eight-point quarter from Eli Herbert in which he made five free throws and a three from the left wing. The Indians didn’t get any closer than 12 points the rest of the way as Johnson helped the Eagles close it out with his rebounding and inside scoring in the final eight minutes. “We’ve been telling our guys, we’ve got good players,” Any Herbert said. “Anthony is a really talented kid. Today, he felt it and believed it. Evan is a long, athletic kid. The guys got confidence as the game went on and should help us going forward.”  Grain Valley senior Kevin Johnson, a transfer from Kansas City East Christian, scored 14 points, grabbed six rebounds, and had three blocks in a 70-55 win over Fort Osage Friday on the road. Photo credit: Michael Smith  For our final "Good News" post of 2024, we would like to thank you for your readership and support and wish everyone a wonderful holiday season. As is tradition, we will be taking the next two weeks off to give our hard-working writers a well-deserved break. We will resume on Thursday, January 2nd, to begin another year of local news coverage for Grain Valley. While we are on break, we will be completing our editorial calendar for 2025, and this is where you come in. What stories are important to you? Who are the people, businesses, and efforts we should be reaching out to in the new year? Send your story ideas to [email protected]. Wishing you a merry holiday season and a happy, healthy new year!  by Cole Arndorfer The Grain Valley Schools Board of Education met on Thursday, December 5 for its December meeting. The meeting included four reports, and discussion on one set of new board policies. After opening the meeting, the board moved into reports starting with a representative from Mercer giving a report over the district’s health coverage. This provided board members time to look over information about the district’s current health insurance carrier and ask questions regarding the processes behind the financial side of its coverage. Next, the board heard from Activities Director Brandon Hart about the current state of middle school sports. The district’s objectives for middle school athletics at this time is to continue adding opportunities for seventh graders to join an athletic team. This year, the district added seventh grade basketball as an option for students, while next year it is looking at adding seventh grade volleyball. Hart then spoke about the addition of high school girls flag football for the spring of 2025. Although the sport is non-MSHSAA sanctioned currently, there are 24 high schools in the metro already offering it and there has been considerable interest in potential team members at the high school. The board then approved the addition of three coaching stipends for the addition of high school girls flag football in the spring. For the final report, Dr. Welle gave an update on the 2023 bond project. The last item of the meeting was the first read of one new set of board policies. The policies will be brought back at length at the next workshop. The board then moved into executive session. The next Board of Education meeting will be Thursday, January 16 at 6 pm in the Leadership Center.  by Cole Arndorfer The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met on Monday, December 9 for its December meeting. The packed meeting included approval of a liquor license, new business addressing police coverage concerns raised by the Grain Valley Santa Bus, seven new resolutions, and three ordinances. Following the opening of the meeting, the board approved an amended liquor license for El Tequilazo Y Cantina. This will allow the restaurant to serve alcohol on Sundays once its paperwork and payment is completed. The board then moved into new business, discussing the Grain Valley Santa Bus. Chuck Johnston, former mayor and volunteer for the Santa Bus, noted during public comment that he is not requesting that the city provide an off-duty police officer for the bus’s route, rather just the use of the VIPs vehicle that the bus is used to having with them in order to use the lights and siren for the safety of the children. Alderman Ryan Skinner noted he was not aware of the issue until a social media post by Johnston resulted in online debate. “A simple email to elected officials could have resolved the issue, but I’ll leave it at that,” Skinner said. After discussing some options for the rest of this year and for next year, the board directed Johnston to hold a meeting with Chief Turner to make a plan to possibly add an off-duty officer for the rest of the year. Following this, the board moved into resolutions. First, the board approved a resolution allowing the city to amend the 2024 budget. The board then approved a series of resolutions to approve grant applications from downtown businesses applying for the Façade Improvement Grant Program funded by ARPA funds. The next resolution the board approved allows the city to enter into an agreement with Bank of Grain Valley for the Façade Improvement Grant Program. Next the board approved a resolution allowing the city to enter an agreement with GV Main Street Investment for the Façade Improvement Grant Program as well. This grant addresses the buildings on the east side of Main. The board then approved a resolution allowing the city to enter an agreement with the Grain Valley Historical Society for the Façade Improvement Grant Program. The grant would be used for new signage on the building. The next resolution the board approved was to approve an inter-agency agreement between the administration department and the parks and recreation department. This will allocate funding for parks and recreation department’s projects utilizing ARPA funds. The board then approved a resolution allowing the city to adopt a labor agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police for sworn police officers. The final resolution the board approved allows the city to adopt a labor agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police for police sergeants. Following resolutions, the board moved into ordinances. The board approved the second reading of an ordinance calling an election in the city on April 8, 2025. Next, the board approved the second read of an ordinance approving the 2025 fiscal year budget and comprehensive fee schedule for the city. Lastly, the board approved the first and second readings of an ordinance that amends the city’s budget for the fiscal year of 2024. This is to accurately reflect the amount of money the city spent this fiscal year. Under city staff reports, Chief Ed Turner noted that Shop with a Cop will take place on December 19. The department currently has 24 children signed up and is working with other local departments to put on the event. Parks and Recreation director, Shannon Davies, said that the city’s annual Christmas tree drop-off will open on December 26 and run through January 13. The board then moved into executive session. The next Board of Aldermen meeting will be held on Monday, January 13 at 6:30pm inside City Hall.  Mr. Cory DeVaul will be the next Director of the Career and Technology Center at Fort Osage. DeVaul will begin his duties effective July 2025. DeVaul replaces Mrs. Susie Suits, who has served as the director since 2019 and is retiring in June 2025. “I want to thank the Fort Osage School District for allowing me to serve as the next director of CTC. Career and technical education is booming, both in popularity among students and in demand from industry partners. I'm excited to lead our school and work with our incredible team of staff, students, and sending school partners during this time of growth and innovation,” DeVaul said. DeVaul has been the assistant director of the CTC since July 2022. He has led efforts to increase offerings of internships and apprenticeships for current students, as well as improve visibility of career and technical education among industry and legislative partners. Before that, he was a teacher for the CTC CSI / Law Enforcement Program for nine years, which included collaborating with the Blue Springs Police Department to create the first paid internship for CSI students. Prior to teaching, DeVaul served as a police officer and dispatcher in the North Kansas City Police Department for 27 years.  Mr. Cory DeVaul will be the next Director of the Career and Technology Center at Fort Osage. DeVaul will begin his duties effective July 2025. Photo credit: CTC  by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Last week I told you Aunt Ellen (Snodgrass) lived in the house on Lot 9 in the Grain Valley addition known as Davis Place. There were 19 lots in the addition with houses along both sides of North Main Street, now Front Street and along the south side of Walnut Street from Capelle west to the edge of town. In those days, the “edge of town” was a mere 250 feet away. The entire addition was 250 feet (east to west) and 670.5 feet (north to south; or Walnut to the railroad track). By the later 1940s until the 1990s, Lot 9 was known as the Heidelberger Home. Hazel (Kiff) and Tom Heidelberger lived there for more than 50 years. The door on the left led into the kitchen where the cookie jar was always full when I would go there with my grandmother or my (real) Aunt Opal. Tom’s mother lived across the street in the home August and Margaret (McAlexander) Heidelberger had owned since the early 1900s. Tom’s sister Ruth Brown lived in the house next door on Lot 10. Aunt Hazel (Kiff) came to Grain Valley from California. She was raised by her aunt; yes Ella (Mrs. Ray Frantz) really was her aunt! Tom died in 1980. Their daughter, Florence Marlow, lived with her mother for a short time before “Aunt” Hazel died in 1992. Like Aunt Ellen, Aunt Hazel was my Sunday School teacher in the primary class; first, second and third grades. Like Ellen Snodgrass, she was very nurturing and kind. We all loved her. I recall that she always remembered us on our birthday with a small gift, like a handkerchief or hair barrettes. She made each of us feel special on our birthday. I am very happy that the house on Lot 9 along with others along Front Street has been or is being renovated. Most of these houses were built around the turn of the last century (late 1890s to early 1900s) and it is wonderful that they are being restored - maybe for another 100 years!  The Heidelberger House. Front Street. Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society 
The holidays are a time to gather, celebrate and enjoy delicious meals with loved ones. However, for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, navigating holiday gatherings can be quite stressful. As Hy-Vee dietitians, we’re here to make entertaining for gluten-free guests simple and enjoyable! Let’s dive into the basics of a gluten-free diet and five must-have gluten-free foods perfect for holiday entertaining. Plus, I’ll share how to access a free "Foods That Fit" Gluten-Free Grocery Guide to make meal planning even easier! The Basics of a Gluten-Free Diet A gluten-free diet avoids gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and a wheat-rye hybrid called triticale. For those with celiac disease, consuming gluten triggers an autoimmune response that damages the small intestine. Even trace amounts from cross-contamination can cause harm. Gluten sensitivity, on the other hand, causes discomfort—such as bloating, stomach cramps and indigestion without causing damage to the intestines. It’s important to keep your gluten-free guests in mind, ensuring no cross-contamination occurs in the kitchen or at the table. Use separate cookware and utensils to prevent accidental exposure. Five Gluten-Free Foods to Make Holiday Entertaining a Breeze Here are five gluten-free options to help you easily accommodate your guests while still serving delicious food this holiday season:
Make Holiday Meal Planning Easier with General Mills "Foods That Fit" Gluten-Free Guide If you want more gluten-free food inspiration, download the free "Foods That Fit" Gluten-Free Grocery Guide from the General Mills Bell Institute of Health & Nutrition. This guide includes a list of gluten-free products that can help remove the guesswork of what to serve your gluten-free guests this holiday season. Contact your local Hy-Vee dietitian for personalized nutrition advice on navigating a gluten-free diet. Whether you need help creating a gluten-free holiday menu or managing a gluten-free lifestyle year-round, we can offer tailored strategies to fit your needs and health goals. Visit Hy-Vee.com/Health for more information on our Individual Nutrition Consultations. Gluten-Free Original ChexTM Party Mix (Serves 22) All you need: 4 cups Corn ChexTM 4 cups Rice ChexTM 2 cups CheeriosTM 2 cups bite-size gluten-free pretzel sticks or twists 6 tbsp vegan dairy-free buttery vegetable oil spread 2 tbsp gluten-free Worcestershire sauce 1½ tsp gluten-free seasoned salt ¾ tsp garlic powder ½ tsp onion powder All you do:
Source: https://www.hy-vee.com/recipes-ideas/recipes/gluten-free-original-chex-party-mix  Missouri revenue estimate predicts $70 million drop in state tax receipts through Juneby Rudi Keller, Missouri Independent Missouri is heading toward its first fiscal year with declining revenue in more than a decade — and the first in living memory during a growing economy — according to the latest estimate of state tax revenue. General revenue for the fiscal year that ends June 30 will total $13.35 billion, a decrease of about $70 million from the record $13.42 billion collected in fiscal 2024, according to a news release Wednesday from Gov.-elect Mike Kehoe. That is a decline of about 0.6%, which is nearly identical to the actual year-to-date revenue receipts. Through Tuesday, revenues have declined 0.7% year-to-date. Revenues should rebound in the following year, the release stated. The estimate agreed on by the state Office of Budget and Planning and the appropriations staff for the Missouri House and Senate anticipates growth of about 1.6%, which would produce $13.56 billion in general revenue for Kehoe’s first full fiscal year in office. “I appreciate House and Senate leadership, our state budget team, and other state partners for helping develop this year’s revenue estimate to inform our budget for next year,” Kehoe said in the news release. “I look forward to working with the legislature on a conservative, balanced budget this upcoming session.” The annual consensus revenue estimate is used by the governor and legislative leaders to build and balance Missouri’s budget. The budget for the current fiscal year is based on an estimate made in December 2023 of $13.2 billion in new revenue. The budget plan adopted by lawmakers for the current year also anticipated spending about $1.9 billion from accumulated surpluses. Higher-than-expected revenue for the year that ended in June is why Missouri should receive more than originally estimated, despite a decline in tax receipts, and use less of the available surplus. Kehoe will present his budget in late January and it will be the first indication how he intends to use the historically high surpluses in the state treasury. At the end of November, the general revenue fund balance stood at $3.9 billion, down about $900 million from the balance on June 30 but far more than any other new governor has ever enjoyed. There is almost $4 billion more in funds that can be spent like general revenue, with about half of that in accounts dedicated to projects like widening Interstate 70 and expanding the Capitol Building. The surplus was built with double-digit revenue growth over a two-year period that ended in early 2023 amid slower economic growth and the implementation of state tax cuts. Kehoe has promised additional tax cuts, with an aim to eliminate the state income tax. Several lawmakers have filed bills to implement a flat 4% tax rate as the first step in that plan. Legislative budget leaders said in the news release that they are happy with the consensus estimate for the coming year. “There are big issues on the horizon,” said state Rep. Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel who is vice-chairman of the House Budget Committee. “I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the House, the Senate, and Governor-Elect Kehoe on crafting a fiscally responsible FY26 budget.” GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.
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Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: [email protected]. 
The following information is derived from Grain Valley Police Department daily calls service log for the week of December 5-10, 2024. December 5, 2024 NW CASEY BLVD / OLYMPIC Extra Patrol NW PECAN DR / NW BURR OAK LN Extra Patrol 1400 BLK NW EAGLES PKWY Security Check 500 BLK MAIN ST Security Check PHQ Public Service BUCKNER TARSNEY / N OF WOODBURY Crash Non-Injury 700 BLK N MAIN ST Crash Non-Injury 900 BLK SW RYAN RD Follow Up Investigation 40 / MEADOW Motorist Assist 700 BLK SW EAGLES PKWY Agency Assist EMS 800 BLK NW VALLEY WOODS DR, GRAIN VALLEY, MO, 64029 Citizen Contact RD MIZE / BARR Citizen Contact 1000 BLK SW SANDY LN Check Well Being 2700 BLK NE AMANDA LN Stealing 1200 BLK NW ASHLEY DR Check Well Being 1400 BLK S BUCKNER TARSNEY Suspicious Activity; Area Check 1200 BLK NW WOODBURY PL Stealing WOODBURY SUBDIVSION Area Check 1200 BLK ASHLEY DR Follow Up Investigation PHQ Walk In Report 1700 BLK NW HILLTOP CT Missing Person-Juvenile 700 BLK N MAIN Walk In Report AMANDA JEAN WAY/GREYSTONE Suspicious Vehicle 200 BLK ROYER LN Agency Assist LE 700 BLK SW EAGLES PKWY Found Person KANSAS CITY EAST PATROL Prisoner Transport December 6, 2024 WOODBURY ESTATES Security Check NW WOODBURY DR Extra Patrol WOODBURY Extra Patrol 1000 BLK NW HIGH VIEW DR Disturbance-Physical 300 BLK W FRONT ST Harassment 900 BLK SW ABAR DR Disturbance-Verbal PHQ Stealing Report 100 BLK NE MCQUERRY RD Special Assignment-Event/Demo 100 BLK OAK ST Disturbance-Verbal 1100 BLK NE MCQUERRY RD Crash Non-Injury US US 40 HWY / N MAIN ST Area Check PHQ Public Service PHQ Citizen Contact 300 BLK NW JEFFERSON ST Standby to Prevent 200 BLK NE SUNSHINE ST Disturbance-Physical 800 BLK SW HARVEST DR Check Well Being PHQ Public Service December 7, 2024 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Security Check 100 BLK SW EAGLES PKWY Security Check 1400 BLK SW EAGLES PKWY Security Check 800 BLK SAN KAR DR Trespass PECAN / BURR OAK Extra Patrol 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Security Check NW BLK WOODBURY DR/NW VALLEY RIDGE DR Extra Patrol 200 BLK NE CYPRESS ST Stabbing 100 BLK PEBBLE BROOK LN Stealing RD MIZE / BUCKNER TARSNEY Agency Assist LE RYAN RD / MINTER / BUCKNER TARSNEY Traffic Complaint NW BLK BUSH DR Extra Patrol 1000 BLK SW RYAN RD Alarm-Commercial 1100 BLK SW EPHRAIM DR Suspicious Vehicle December 8, 2024 500 BLK MAIN ST Security Check 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol 800 BLK NE SAN KAR DR Citizen Contact PECAN / BURR OAK Extra Patrol 1400 BLK SW EAGLES PKWY Security Check PHQ Public Service 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol NW WOODBURY DR Extra Patrol 2200 BLK NW HEDGEWOOD DR Property Damage NW ROSEWOOD DR / PERSIMMON DR Extra Patrol 900 BLK SHORTHORN DR Stealing Vehicle 1200 BLK NW ASHLEY LN Disturbance-Verbal PHQ Public Service 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol 800 BLK SW COUNTRY HILL DR Animal Bite 1000 BLK SW STONEY POINT DR Disturbance-Physical 1000 BLK SW RYAN RD Alarm-Commercial 1300 BLK NW BROADWAY ST Stealing Vehicle 1000 BLK SW RYAN RD Alarm-Commercial 300 BLK NE COLDWATER CREEK DR Noise Complaint December 9, 2024 3000 BLK BEACH DR Shots Fired 700 BLK SW RYAN RD Open Door-Structure 1400 BLK SW EAGLES PKWY Security Check 1400 BLK NW OLYMPIC DR Alarm-Commercial 1200 BLK SW EAGLES PKWY Check Well Being 1100 BLK SEYMOUR RD Alarm-Commercial 10 NE TUDOR RD Training 1400 BLK NW OLYMPIC DR Alarm-Commercial 800 BLK SW HARVEST DR Check Well Being 1100 BLK NW EAGLE RIDGE BLVD Check Well Being PHQ Walk In Report 1200 BLK NW SCENIC DR Disturbance-Verbal 1100 BLK N BUCKNER TARSNEY RD Agency Assist LE PHQ Public Service 200 BLK NE HANNAH CT Citizen Contact 700 BLK N MAIN ST Citizen Contact 500 BLK SW EAGLES PARKWAY Animal Control 1100 BLK NW EAGLE RIDGE BLVD Follow Up Investigation WOODBURY ESTATES Security Check 200 BLK N MAIN ST Extra Patrol 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol December 10, 2024 WOODBURY DR Extra Patrol 4300 BLK E DUNCAN RD Citizen Contact SHORTHORN DR / CLOVER DR Extra Patrol 1100 blk bush dr Extra Patrol E70 Agency Assist LE 1100 BLK SEYMOUR RD Alarm-Commercial 500 BLK NW WILLOW DR Disturbance-Physical PHQ Walk In Report 500 BLK GREYSTONE DR Abandoned Vehicle 700 BLK N MAIN Court 70/BUCKNER TARSNEY RD Crash Non-Injury 100 BLK SW EAGLES PKWY Disturbance-Verbal 400BLK NELSON Extra Patrol 33000 BLK E MURPHY SCHOOL RD Citizen Contact 800 BLK SW HARVEST DR Agency Assist DFS 400 BLK W WALNUT ST Area Check WOODBURY DR Extra Patrol 100 BLK E HARRIS ST Extra Patrol 1100 BLK NW BUSH DR Extra Patrol MAIN ST / 70 Area Check  by Michael Smith Grain Valley head girls basketball coach Randy Draper and his players were excited to begin a new era on Monday. The Eagles played their first home game in the new gymnasium against William Chrisman, and they put on a show, forcing 33 turnovers and scoring 48 points on the fast break in a 85-18 rout. The basketball court is longer and wider than the old one and much cleaner according to Draper and his players. “The best part about this court is the floor isn’t dusty,” Grain Valley senior Camryn Kelly said. “I feel like we will be more of a defensive team this year because we’re not standing in place for 10 seconds trying to catch our balance.” The extra length of the court has also been another benefit, according to Draper as the players have had to run the extra distance in practice when running fast-break drills in practice. “I joked we would have to put water stations on the court,” Draper said. “It’s a longer distance to run. It’s really accelerated our conditioning.” The extra endurance gained by the Eagles was apparent in the contest against the Bears as they beat the opponent up and down the floor and suffocated them on defense. Chrisman didn’t score its first points until the 7:40 mark in the second quarter. Grain Valley forced 16 turnovers in the first 8 minutes alone and took a 27-0 lead at the end of the period and took a 47-3 lead into halftime. Even with a big lead, Grain Valley didn’t let up as it extended the lead to 74-11 going into the fourth, which triggered a running clock. “We are trying to prepare for other teams because our conference isn’t as challenging as we would like it to be,” said Kelly, who had a team-high 13 points. “We use games like this to portray how we would play a tougher team. Before the game, we talked about how we would play like we would against Rock Bridge, which is one of our biggest competitors in our district.” Added Draper: ““We don’t do a lot of running just to run. If we run, it’s with a ball. We press. We try to melt you. It’s part of who we are. They don’t get tired often. They are used to it.” Because of the big lead, Draper was able to get 15 different players in the game, including some listed on the junior varsity roster. The Eagles finished with 37 points from their bench players, led by senior Neveah Clausen’s 11. Rust added 11 points and junior Addy Seyfert had 10.  Grain Valley senior forward Keyonna Bullock, left, tries to drive to the basket while William Chrisman's Samantha Soule defends. Photo credit: Michael Smith  Grain Valley junior Addy Seyfert searches for an open teammate while William Chrisman senior Elayjah Murray defends. Photo credit: Michael Smith  Grain Valley sophomore Madison Rust makes a leaping pass as sophomore Bella Bollinger awaits under the basket. Photo credit: Michael Smith  by Michael Smith Grain Valley senior Gavin Barker hadn’t won a varsity wrestling tournament in his career leading up to the Grain Valley Invitational. That changed Saturday as he came out on top in a defensive battle against Mexico’s Grant Walker 2-0 in the championship match to finish first in the 215-pound division at Grain Valley High School. His victory helped the Eagles fifth with 112.5 points. Fort Osage took first with 159 points. “I needed a lot of stamina in that match,” Barker said. “I dropped from 245 pounds, so that helped my stamina. I went on a diet; it was really strict. My stamina is a lot better from last year.” Barker was a win away from qualifying for state last season as he was in the bubble match against Lee’s Summit North’s Drew Gray but he was disqualified. This season, he will have one final chance to qualify for the first time. “My goal is to get to state and place,” Barker said. “I want to face harder people like (Walker). He was really good.” In addition to Barker, Grain Valley had five other wrestlers finish in the top three of their divisions. Three of them were wrestlers who were wrestling at the varsity level for the first time. Freshman Brodie Davis (165) had a sparkling debut. He pinned his first two opponents to get up a championship match with Cy Wilmes. In that match, he fell 17-2 to take second place. “I have to work a lot on neutral, I was pretty sloppy there,” Davis said. “Otherwise, I thought I fought hard on top and bottom. I just need to continue to keep improving before districts.” Junior Chase Brenner (144) mirrored Davis’ varsity debut as he took second place, as well. He won his first match by pin and he topped Fort Osage’s Joseph Davis 8-5 in the semifinals to set up a final bout with Lee’s Summit West’s Jaxton Fetters, which he lost 11-3. “I definitely need to work on setting up my offense better,” Brenner said. “I need to work on my shots more and my defense probably.” Grain Valley junior Tyler Jones (120) had varsity experience coming into the season, but it was previously with Lincoln College Prep. He transferred to Grain Valley and had a solid debut. He finished 4-1 in the tournament and took third after he overcame a 6-2 deficit to pin Fort Osage’s Kaiden Johnson in the consolation finals. “I tell myself I am not going to lose after being taken down,” Jones said. “I had been cramping in my arms and calves all day. The whole time, I wasn’t able to grip him like I wanted to. He’s long, so I couldn’t get around to his legs for takedowns. I knew if I could get him to take a bad shot, I could use my weight to my advantage.” Junior Zac Bleess (132) and senior Colston Parkers (138) both finished third in their respective brackets, as well.  Grain Valley junior Tyler Jones waits for the official to raise his hand after pinning Fort Osage's Kaiden Johnson in the consolation finals of the 120-pound weight class of the Grain Valley Invitational wrestling tournament Saturday. Photo credit: Michael Smith  Grain Valley senior Colston Parks gets ready to pin Blue Springs South's Matt Thomas in the consolation finals of the 138-pound bracket. Photo credit: Michael Smith The spirit of the holiday season has made its way to the East Kansas City Airport. Photo credit: Grain Valley News staff  by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Needless to say, I was overjoyed when I drove West on Front Street a few weeks ago and discovered that another home was being renovated, or as I like to say, brought back to life. While the historical part of me would like to see it painted white and restored with some of the original charm, I am just glad it isn’t being torn down. The house is built on Lot 8 of Davis Place, an addition to Grain Valley filed with the Jackson County Recorder of Deeds on October 8, 1888 by William and Nancy Davis. Without some additional research (for a warmer day and another trip to the Recorder’s office at the courthouse in Independence, MO) I cannot tell you when this house was built or by whom. What I can tell you is I have always referred to the home as the Snodgrass House. That’s because, Ellen Snodgrass lived there in the 1950s and 60s. Ellen was the widow of Marvin Snodgrass (1888-1936) a farmer in Grain Valley. While Ellen (Beyers) grew up in Blue Springs, Marvin was born (and died) in Grain Valley. His grandparents came to Jackson County from Virginia, his father Parmer was born south of town and married Sarah Potts. Marvin’s sisters were May Corlew and Molly Roof long-time residents with homes next door to each other on Walnut Street, just across the back alley from “Aunt” Ellen. No, she was not my aunt, but when I grew up, we call a female contemporary of our parents and grandparents either Mrs. or Aunt; it’s just what you did. I knew Aunt Ellen well because she was my first Sunday School teacher. She, along with her sisters-in-law, attended the old Methodist Church on Capelle Street and Aunt Ellen taught in the nursery for 35 years. I was one of the lucky children to receive her hugs, homemade cookies, and Bible stories back then. In the fall of 1952, I began 1st grade and so Aunt Hazel (Heidelburger) became my teacher. She lived in the house next door, Lot 9, Davis Place. Maybe that’s some history for another story.  Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society December at the National WWI Museum and Memorial is all about the holidays. The first December weekend will feature three free events for the whole family. On Saturday, Dec. 7 at 10:30 a.m. families are invited for Children’s Story Time: The Perfect Christmas Tree. There will be a family-friendly craft activity and storybook reading for all. On Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., the Living History Volunteer Corps will be onsite to share stories of how WWI soldiers and their families celebrated the winter holidays at Day in the Life: The Holidays in WWI. Finally, also on Dec. 8, at 11 a.m. the annual screening of "Joyeux Noël" will take place in the Auditorium. “Joyeux Noël” is the story of the 1914 Christmas Truce between opposing soldiers on the Western Front. Sgt. Alvin York is a well-known WWI hero. Upon returning to the U.S. after WWI, York was gifted a farm in Tennessee, where he lived until his death. Explore his home with Tennessee State Historic Park staff on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m. Life After War: Sgt. York’s Pall Mall Paradise is free and online only. Registration is required. The final Makers Social of the year takes place on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m. Seasoned makers and the handcraft curious are invited to ring in the holiday season with a game of trivia. Prices will be awarded for those with the most knowledge of handcrafts and WWI history. Those still gift shopping will have the chance to browse a Makers Market for items from partners. This quarterly event is free to the public. December National WWI Museum and Memorial events
by Michael Smith The Grain Valley boys wrestling team has been one that has had a good amount of talent year after year. Last season, the Eagles qualified six wrestlers for the Missouri State High School Wrestling Championships and had two finishes in the top six of their respective weight classes to earn all state honors. The 2024-25 season, however, will feature a younger team with not as much experience as last year’s team had as the Eagles graduated three seniors from last season’s team, all of whom qualified for state. Currently, the Eagles are bringing back six wrestlers who were a part of the district lineup in 2024 and will welcome some newcomers to join the fold. “We have a really big junior class, we have about 10 or 11 juniors,” Grain Valley head coach Donald Horner said. “We also have a big class of incoming freshmen. We have 25. It is good to have depth in numbers.” Added junior Zac Bleess: “We have a pretty young team, but we have a lot of potential.” Junior Zac Bleess is one polished wrestler coming back for the Eagles as he has two all-state finishes under his belt. During his freshman season, he took sixth in the 113-pound division and placed fifth last season at 120 pounds. This year, he will jump all the way up to the 138-pound weight class and he admitted he will have to adjust his wrestling style because of it. “I am going to wrestle at 132 at the (Grain Valley Invitational this weekend, then I will wrestle at 138 at duals and tournaments for the rest of the season,” Bleess said. “It’s better for the team that way and that’s where I am comfortable at for now. “At 120, I was by far the strongest kid and I could get away with bad wrestling. At 138, I need to focus on my technique. I was able to adjust to it over the summer.” Senior Colston Parks joins Bleess as one of the returning state qualifiers as he made it to state for the first time in February. He finished in fourth place at 113 pounds at the Class 4 District 4 Tournament. He made it to the bubble match at state before falling to Liberty’s Cade Dunn 12-8. This season, he will be looking to earn his first all-state honor. “I think the points changes are huge because we are so good at neutral,” Parks said. “I have been working on having heavier hands and moving my opponent around to get to my attacks. Sophomore Sjoeren Aumua is another returning state qualifier as he broke out as a freshman, finishing with a 23-13 record. While he had a breakout season in 2023-24, his success was not a surprise to Horner. “We definitely want to see Sjoeren get to the podium this year,” Horner said. “Last year did not surprise us. He is a great wrestler and a great kid, and we expected him to go to state. He is a stud. If you followed him in football, you know he is an athlete.” Other returning to the lineup who competed at the district tournament last season include seniors Mason Bertrand, Trenton Rock, and Gavin Barker and junior Caine Nelson. Some newcomers that could enter the lineup this year include freshmen Brodie Davis, Kaeler Byrd and Kobe Hughes and junior Alec Fenstermaker. On the girls side, the Eagles are coming off their most successful season in the history of the program as four qualified for state in 2023-24. However, Grain Valley will move on without the best wrestler in the history of the program in three-time state champion Sevreign Aumua, who graduated is now wrestling for Missouri Valley College. Two state qualifiers are returning in senior Adalia Del Real and junior Jayden Moehle. Del Real qualified for state for the first time last season and finished with a solid 37-11 record. She will be one of the leaders on the team along with Moehle for a girls team that has 12 on the active roster. She will get one last crack at earning all-state honors this season following the best season of her career in 2023-24. “I feel like I had a good season but I could have done better,” Del Real. “I have been working on my mindset, pushing through and getting up from bottom.” Moehle returns with a good amount of success as she took fourth place at state as a freshman and she was the runner-up in the 235-pound division last season as she got pins in her first three matches before getting pinned by eventual state champion Abby Chandler of Northwest High School. This season, she’s gunning for a state title. “If I just keep working at it, I think I have a good chance,” Moehle said of winning a state title. “I have been working on my outside sweeps and hitting my doubles (leg takedown). Getting better at the basics and the little stuff will push me to success.” The Eagles open their season with the Grain Valley Invitational Saturday at Grain Valley High School.  Grain Valley junior Hayden Moehle participates in a crawling exercise during wrestling practice Tuesday. Photo credit: Michael Smith  Grain Valley junior Zac Bleess does a seal crawling exercise during wrestling practice Tuesday at Grain Valley High School. Photo credit: Michael Smith |
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