by Michael Smith
 
The Grain Valley boys golf team has experienced a good amount of success in the past three seasons.

In 2022 and 2023, the Eagles qualified the team for the Missouri State High School Boys Golf Championships, and last season had two golfers qualify.

The 2025 season could shape up to be one of the best yet though. Grain Valley head coach Andy Herbert said he has one of the most talented groups he’s ever had and the deepest.

He returns three of his five starting golfers from the 2024 season – sophomore Jacob Gorden, junior Eli Herbert and junior Mason Smith. In addition to those three, Herbert has another 11 golfers who have a shot of making the varsity squad and have dedicated themselves to the sport.

Some contenders for the two vacant spots in the varsity lineup include junior Jack Blair and sophomores Matthew Stoffregen, Easton Picard-Bink, Gavin Grote and Brody Magnon; and freshman Easton Gilbert, all of whom have been working on improving their skills in the offseason.

“This is probably the deepest group we have ever had No. 1 through No. 14,” Herbert said. “It will be fun to see who progresses and who ends up where in the lineup.”

Herbert said he will have some tough decisions on who he chooses to fill in the last two spots.

“We are at a point where we don’t know who will have those last two spots on varsity,” Herbert said.

“It’s a blessing and a curse of having so much depth. We’re going to be good, but you can only play five. There are going to be guys who are going to have varsity aspirations who aren’t going to play varsity this year. They will respond to it. They understand it.”

Gorden will fill in the No. 1 spot on the team after serving as the team’s No. 3 last season. He is someone who plays year-round and plays in competitive tournaments around the country.

“He’s really dedicated himself to be a good as he can be, and he’s in a pretty good spot and he just has to enjoy the process of the high school golf season,” Herbert said of Gorden.

Having that experience competing in those tournaments could help Gorden when he participates in some of the big high school tournaments during the season.

“It definitely keeps me fresh compared to most other kids who are playing.” Gorden said of his tournament experience. “From tee to green, I feel like I have played my best recently.”

Andy Herbert said Gorden is a good player and athlete who is physically strong and can hit the ball a long way on his drives. Around the green, he is strong with his short iron plays.

“He is really good at setting himself up to make birdies,” Herbert said.

Eli Herbert returns with two years of varsity experience, and he’s played in some of the biggest tournaments, including state in 2023. He said his biggest focus will be improving his mentality during matches and tournaments.

“I am working on forgetting about the last hole and just keep playing,” he said.

With a good amount of experience returning from last year’s team and multiple players capable of playing at the varsity level, Andy Herbert and his Eagles said they believe they have the talent to quality for the state tournament as a team.

“We’re going to have a chance to win a tournament every week,” Eli Herbert said. ““It could be a different guy every day (who has the lowest score). Having the amount of good golfers will help us make some noise this spring.”

Sophomore Jacob Gordon, left, and junior Eli Herbert will be the No. 1 and 2 golfers in the lineup for the Grain Valley boys golf teams, respectively. ​Photo credit: Michael Smith

Grain Valley baseball players Hunter Bly, left, and Michael Wilkey will share a lifetime bond as they each made the Eagles varsity team this season after being cut in their previous tryout efforts. Photo credit: Bill Althaus


by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News

Michael Wilkey and Hunter Bly are living the dream.

They are members of the Grain Valley High School baseball team whose never-say-die attitude paid off in silver dollars this season as they each made the Eagles squad.

Both were late cuts last season, and their hard work and grit paved the way to making the final cut in 2025.

"Michael and Hunter have quite a story to tell," longtime Eagles baseball coach Brian Driskell said Saturday morning after the Eagles tied Truman 0-0 and lost 7-3 to Lee's Summit West. 

Bly pitched a scoreless fourth inning for the Eagles and Wilkey hit a long drive that Truman's left fielder was able to run down.

"Guys like Michael and Hunter are the reason you coach," Driskell continued. "We have so many guys try out for our baseball team and we have to make some hard decisions. Every year they were cut, I told them to work hard and keep coming back. And this year - they made the team, and I'm so proud of them."

Their triumph proves that not all victories can be found on a scoreboard.

"I wasn't going to give up," Bly said. "You know what they say: 'keep on keeping on.' I didn't make it as a freshman, didn't try out my sophomore year and got cut last year. Now, here I am - a member of the varsity team."

As he talked about this season, he sported an ear-to-ear grin. So did Bly.

"This was just a jamboree - and I was as nervous as I'd ever been in my life," Bly said. "Look, I'm still shaking. I had butterflies, and was nervous and excited and I pitched a shutout inning. I'm never going to forget our jamboree as long as I live."

Neither will Wilkey, a junior who brings confidence, versatility and five gloves to every practice and game.

"I didn't make the team the past two years, and this year, when I did make it, I was thrilled, so excited," said Wilkey, who brings an outfield, infield, catcher's mitt, pitcher and first base glove every time the Eagles have a game or practice.

"I told coach I'd do anything to help the team. I guess I'm the utility guy. I don't care where I play. We have so many great pitchers I don't know if I'll see much pitching, but if they need me, I'm ready."

When asked how he manages to bring all the gloves to each game, he smiled.

"A very big bag for all my gear," Wilkey said. "I've got to get my catcher's gear in there, too."

Stefan Mijatovic celebrates after scoring a goal in the Kansas City Comets' 9-6 victory over the Milwaukee Wave Friday night at Cable Dahmer Arena. Mijatovic added three assists as the Comets ended a three-game losing streak to improve to 14-4-2 on the season. Photo courtesy Kansas City Comets/David Rainey


by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News 

A gritty, determined Kansas City Comets team arrived at Cable Dahmer Arena Friday night with one collective goal - WIN!

The Comets were riding a three-game losing streak and had lost two previous games this season to longtime rival Milwaukee, but a complete team effort helped Kansas City claim a thrilleding 9-6 victory over the Wave.

It was the ninth consecutive win over the Wave at Cable Dahmer Arena.

With Rian Marques - who is among league leaders in scoring, goals and assists - on the sidelines with a lower body injury - Leo Acosta, Mikey Lenis and Henry Ramirez scored second-half goals, while Phillip Ejimadu stood tall in the net to pick up a much-needed victory.

The Comets have defeated the Wave nine games in a row at Cable Dahmer Arena, and could see Milwaukee in the first round of the Ron Newman Cup playoffs in San Diego.

"This is a big win, an important win," Comets coach Stefan Stokic said. "To be able to win, while missing some of our top players and without our top goalscorer is huge. A lot of things are not going our way. We'll just keep on going and keep on pushing."

Stefan Mijatovic's four-point performance earned him a curtain call before the night's conclusion as the top star. The new acquisition showed his quality all game long against the Wave.

"I am so happy in Kansas City," Mijatovic said, as she signed autographs for fans. "We want to win a championship, and we showed what kind of team we are tonight. This was so much fun, so exciting!"

For the first time since March 1, the Comets grabbed a lead when Mijatovic scored his first goal as a Comet, using his big frame to hold off a defender and guide his header past the keeper 2:29 into the game. The lead only lasted a few minutes before Mario Alvarez equalized for the Wave.

The Wave added another two more in the second quarter to take a 3-1 lead, but Lucas Sousa fired one across the face of goal that bounced in to make it 3-2. Just four seconds later, Salvador Nunez restored Milwaukee's two-goal advantage.

After going down 4-2, the Comets flipped the switch. They scored two more in the half, one coming from a Mijatovic effort that was slammed home by Junior Kazeem. The other came off the foot of Leo Acosta, sneaking it in at the near post with 2:04 left in the half.

The Comets made it three without an answer when Acosta scored the only goal of the third period, squeezing another past the keeper's near post to put KC up 5-4. Milwaukee found the equalizer for a second time just 19 seconds into the fourth from Alex Sanchez.

"It was a back-and-forth game, and we never gave up," Acosta said. "We are missing some key players, and tonight was a team victory - everyone contributed."

Looking for an answer, the Comets erupted in response with four goals the rest of the quarter. Michael Lenis, Henry Ramirez and Lucas Sousa each tallied goals to make it 8-5 KC. Ramirez's goal came after a creative wallascora pass off board from Junior Kazeem for the game-winner.

"Junior deserves all the credit for my goal," Ramirez said. "We needed this win. You don't want to go into the postseason with a losing streak, and now, we hope to win our remaining (four games) and go to the playoffs with a lot of confidence."

Milwaukee's Alvarez cut into the lead, scoring with 6:03 left to play to make it a two-score game. The Comets defense stepped up when it needed and Christian Anderaos finished the game off with a last-second effort against six attackers.

While the Comets were out shot 45-33, the Comets' defense got 28 blocks and stayed out of the penalty box.

Chad Vandegriffe, who leads the league with 63 blocked shots, was an unsung hero on the Comets defensive front as MASL icons Ian Bennett (one goal) and all-time MASL scoring icon Franck Tayou (one assist) were not factors for the 11-7-2 Wave.

"This is big - two playoff contenders going at it for the third time this season," Vandegriffe said. "They got us the first two games this season and we were out to get a big win for our organization and our fans. Our fans were amazing tonight. They willed us to victory."

Ejimadu agreed, adding, "We took our last two losses (against Milwaukee) personal, and we came in tonight with one goal - to get a win. And we were able to do it. What a great night!"

As the final seconds ticked off the scoreboard clock, Mijatovic found a wide-open Christian Anderaos near the net. He scored as 3,840 fans roared with approval.

The Comets moved 8 points clear of fourth-place Baltimore, who has three games in hand. Kansas City will close the regular season in Baltimore in what could be a critical game to decide playoff seeding.

Community Blood Center (CBC) is urging community members to donate as the local blood supply has dropped to a critical 3-4-day level—well below the ideal 7-10-day inventory needed to ensure hospitals are fully prepared for both routine and unexpected patient needs.

Several factors have contributed to this decline, including lingering disruptions from severe winter storms, a seasonal dip due to spring break travel, and fewer school-based blood drives. In February alone, CBC collected nearly 2,000 fewer donations than needed to keep up with hospital demand. Unlike many other medical supplies, blood cannot be manufactured or synthetically produced, and donations must come directly from volunteer donors. It is also perishable, making regular donations critical to maintaining a safe and stable blood supply.

Type O donors are especially needed. O-negative blood is vital for trauma cases when there isn’t time to determine a patient’s blood type, and O-positive—being the most common blood type—is heavily relied upon for surgeries, cancer treatments, and routine medical care.

“As a transplant surgeon, I know the importance of having a robust blood supply,” Dr. Sean Kumer, Senior Vice President & Chief Medical Officer, Kansas City Division, The University of Kansas Health System said. “For our patients, donated blood isn’t just a resource—it’s a lifeline. We cannot overstate how critical it is to ensure blood is available when it’s needed most.”

“We rely on a steady stream of donors to maintain a safe and stable blood supply for Kansas City hospitals,” Chelsey Smith, Director of Public Relations at Community Blood Center said. “Right now, we’re seeing fewer donations than we need to keep pace with patient demand. We’re asking anyone who is eligible—especially Type O donors—to take an hour to give and help rebuild the supply for our community.”

Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted eligibility restrictions for individuals who lived in Europe during certain periods of time. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit savealifenow.org or call 800.688.0900. To make an appointment to donate blood, donors can visit this link.

by Joe Jerek, Missouri Department of Conservation 


Dry conditions and high winds sparked hundreds of wildfires around Missouri last week, primarily on March 13 and 14 before severe thunderstorms and tornados swept into the state and quenched many of the blazes. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), partnering fire departments and MDC staff reported 224 wildfires covering more than 15,500 acres between March 10-16. While more than 20 homes and numerous vehicles and outbuildings were lost to the flames, there were no reported injuries or deaths.

More than 90 specially trained MDC staff responded to 83 of the wildfires around the state, covering nearly 9,000 acres. 

“We are so very thankful for everyone’s efforts in fighting these fires,” said MDC Fire Program Coordinator Ben Webster. “We greatly appreciate the expertise, hard work, and long hours from our staff, the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and especially the many rural fire departments who are such vital partners in these efforts.”

According to MDC, the Camdenton area in central Missouri had 42 fires with a total of 6,086 acres burned, including 761 acres on Granny’s Acres Conservation Area in Benton County. More than 30 MDC staff responded.

Several dozen MDC staff assisted with a 150-acre fire on private land near Milan in northeast Missouri. They also fought a 78-acre wildfire on Big Creek Conservation Area in Adair County and a one-acre fire on nearby Sugar Creek Conservation Area. 

MDC staff fought 19 fires in the Ozark region of the state covering nearly 1,500 acres, including nearly 300 acres of conservation lands. MDC reported that extreme weather conditions had one of its teams fighting a fire one minute and then taking shelter in a Dent County homeowner’s basement for a tornado warning the next.

MDC staff in the St. Louis region assisted with six separate fires covering nearly 300 acres, including in Davisville, on Highway 47 near Potosi, and on 178 acres at River 'Round Conservation Area in Franklin County, and on nearly 80 acres on the Glassberg Family Conservation Area in Jefferson County.

MDC staff in southwest counties responded to nine wildfires that consumed 583 acres, including 75 acres on Comstock Prairie Conservation Area in Barton County with the rest on private land. Staff also assisted the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) on a 173-acre fire that burned part of its Seligman Hollow area and private land.

More than two dozen MDC staff in southeast Missouri responded to five fires that consumed more than 300 acres, including a 115-acre blaze on USFS and private land south of Flatwoods Conservation Area in Wayne County and a fire on 110 acres of private lands northeast of Des Arc in Iron County. Staff contained a 26-acre fire on Magnolia Hollow Conservation Area in Genevieve County. Staff also assisted local fire departments in containing a 48-acre fire on private land in Ste Genevieve County and a 12-acre fire on private land in Reynolds County north of Current River Conservation Area.

While these fires have been contained and extinguished, the National Weather Service still has Red Flag Warnings for parts of Missouri. A red flag warning is issued to inform the public, firefighters, and land management agencies that conditions are ideal for wildfire ignition and rapid spread. These include drought conditions or warm weather with very low humidity and high or erratic winds. Learn more at www.weather.gov/.

Some wildfires are set by vandals. Help stop arson by calling Operation Forest Arson at 800-392-1111. Callers will remain anonymous and rewards are possible. 

Learn how to help prevent wildfires at mdc.mo.gov/your-property/fire-management/wildfire-prevention.

by Tara Sallee, MS, RD, LD, Hy-Vee Corporate Dietician


It’s that time of year: The basketball games are plentiful, and the game-day snacks are enticing!

Proper nutrition is important to athletes across every sport, but basketball and the food we eat share another common similarity. Five players face the court at tip-off, just like there are five food groups you need to fuel yourself throughout the day. Performance suffers without one player on the court or an entire food group is nixed from the diet.

As you craft your perfect bracket, take a moment to rethink your nutrition strategy. How can you make winning food choices, increase your veggie intake, and tackle cravings like a pro? Let’s meet your all-star lineup for peak performance:

Meet Your Hy-Vee Dietitian’s Starting Five:

1. Dunk it with Dairy. Dairy products include a nutrition label that scores a three-point play: calcium, vitamin D and protein. Calcium and vitamin D play a vital role in bone health and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Aim for three servings daily—one cup of milk, a serving of yogurt, or a slice of cheese can get you closer to your goal.
2. Play hard with Protein. Protein's most notable role is in maintaining and repairing muscles. Keep in mind that protein is best absorbed if spread out over the day. Whether it’s lean meats, eggs, beans or plant-based alternatives, protein keeps you strong and ready to power through the game of life.
3. Guard your Grains. Whole grains are your go-to energy source, keeping you fueled and focused. Unlike refined grains, whole grains provide fiber, which supports digestion and heart health. Living a gluten-free lifestyle? You can still reap the benefits of whole grains by choosing options like Canyon Bakehouse Multigrain bread.
4. Fans go wild for Fruit. Naturally lower in fat, sodium and calories, fruit is the best defense against a sweet-tooth craving. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and natural sweetness, fruits are a slam dunk for your diet. For an easy on-the-go option, try That's it. Bars, which contain simple, whole-food ingredients with no added sugar.
5. A Vegetable victory. Vegetables should give you a boost of color at every meal, just like the player that boosts your morale during the game's final stretch. Rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber – fill up without feeling guilty. Aim for five combined servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

 
Ready to execute your new game-day strategy? Allow a Hy-Vee dietitian to help! Our team of registered dietitians offers expert guidance, personalized nutrition plans, and practical advice to make eating well easier for you and your family. Contact our Discovery Call Center at [email protected] or (515) 695-3121 to schedule a complimentary Discovery Session today.

 
Garden Veggie Quinoa Bowl
Serves 4
All you need:

• 4 Hy-Vee pasteurized large eggs
• 1 c. uncooked red quinoa
• 8 Brussels sprouts
• 2 c. fresh green beans
• 2 c. broccoli florets
• 2 c. grape tomatoes, halved
• 3 radishes, thinly sliced
• 1 avocado, pitted, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

All you do:

1. Place eggs in a small saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat and let stand for 2 minutes. Drain water and run cold water over eggs until cool enough to handle; drain. To peel, gently tap the egg on the countertop until the shell is thoroughly cracked. Peel off the eggshell with fingertips, starting at the large end.
2. Prepare quinoa according to package directions.
3. Grate Brussels sprouts with a cheese grater. Stir into the quinoa. Set the quinoa mixture aside and keep warm.
4. In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups water to boiling. Cook green beans and broccoli florets for 3 minutes; drain. Place vegetables in a large bowl of ice water, cool, and drain.
5. Divide the quinoa mixture among four serving bowls. Top with green beans, broccoli, tomatoes, radishes and avocado. Sprinkle lemon juice to taste, and top with eggs, cut in half.

​
Recipe source: https://www.hy-vee.com/recipes-ideas/recipes/garden-veggie-quinoa-bowl

by Cole Arndorfer, Grain Valley News

​
​The Grain Valley Schools Board of Education met on Thursday, March 13th for its monthly meeting.
 
The teacher salary and benefits committee presented their findings to the board, highlighting the impact of increased health care costs, particularly for employees covering children on these policies, on the salary increases made possible by last year’s levy increase. Additionally, the committee highlighted concerns regarding time demands outside of contracted hours as well as impacts on plan time for teachers. The formation of a committee to explore these issues was recommended.
 
Superintendent Dr. Brad Welle provided an overview of the district’s financial report as well as snow day makeup dates. Welle reviewed pending state legislation that could impact the district, including efforts to institute open enrollment (additional reporting on this legislation via the Missouri Independent: Quick News - Grain Valley News).
 
Welle also reviewed minutes of the most recent facilities planning committee meeting. Welle noted that flat growth is expected at the elementary level over the next 10 years, and a declining birth rate during COVID may allow the district to invest in additions to current elementary buildings rather than build a 5th elementary school. Welle noted the district may be looking at another bond issue in April 2026.
 
The board moved into unfinished business, discussing the 2025-2026 budget. Welle reviewed proposed scenarios to increase base salary for certified staff and a set percentage increase for all other staff, as well as a bump in contributions to health insurance.  
 
The board then moved into new business, starting with a current year budget amendment to reflect the current financial standing of the district.
 
Next, the board approved the list of board scholarship recipients. Board member Lance Pollard served on the review committee and commented on the quality of the applications, and his desire to see the fund increase to serve more deserving students.
 
Third, the board approved the preliminary non-binding tax rate. Welle explained this rate will change as final figures are known but must be approved by the board at this time.
 
The board then adjourned into executive session. The next board of education meeting will be held on April 24 at 6 pm inside the Leadership Center. 

by Michael Smith, Grain Valley News
 
The Grain Valley boys volleyball team had a challenge on its hands.
 
The Eagles participated in a three-team jamboree with Northland Christian and Grandview Monday at Northland Christian High School.
 
The Eagles were shorthanded with last year’s kills leader Maddox Dresslaer being out with an injury. Other projected starters like Tyler and Tristan Hoyt, Jace Rawlings and Ryan Rohr were all away due to being on vacation for spring break.
 
Head coach Tori Squiers also was not available as she was out of the state, as well. So that left assistant coach Matt McLaughlin with a few rotation players and some junior varsity team members to compete in the jamboree.
 
Even while shorthanded, the Eagles looked strong and managed to defeat Northland Christian 23-25, 25-20, 25-21 and topped Grandview 22-25, 25-20, 32-30.
 
The jamboree allowed each team to play a best-of-three sets format against the other two teams and the score of each game started with each team having four points.
 
While Grain Valley got off to slow starts in both matches, it surged in the final two games to capture wins.
 
“We had our ups and downs, but I really liked how we finished,” McLaughlin said. “That’s the most important thing, I think. That was the first varsity volleyball match for a lot of these guys. To play as good as we did while missing five starters, it was good to see.”
 
Senior Jordan Jackson was also impressed with how some of the newcomers fared.
 
 “A lot of the new guys really stepped up and found their role tonight,” Jackson said. “We have some starters who are out of town, but we have another group of guys who know how to play.”
 
Jackson, who serves as a hybrid setter and outside hitter, was a huge bright spot for the Eagles as he showed off his all-around game. He got multiple kills, blocked a good number of shots, set up teammates for opportunities to score and his jump serve was effective.
 
At the beginning of the third set against the Bulldogs, he notched three consecutive aces. It was an ultra-competitive set which saw both teams score 30 or more points. After a long battle, he got a key block that resulted in a point and the win for the Eagles.
 
“It makes everything easier when you have a guy like Jordan,” McLaughlin said. “It helps cover up for mistakes we may have elsewhere. And he’s a leader on the court and he lets guys know where to be.”
 
Sophomore Dierks Habermehl had similar sentiments regarding Jackson.
 
“Jordan has been amazing,” Habermehl said. “He’s a really good setter and he always knows where to be. He’s also a great dude.”
 
Sophomore Dierks Habermehl is a newcomer playing varsity for the first time and he’s someone who could emerge as a key contributor for the Eagles. He showed why on Monday as he got multiple kills on the outside. He also had a strong serve that helped his team accumulate points.
 
“Dierks has been pretty steady all preseason,” McLaughlin said. “He’s been good in practice, and it was good to see that translate to a game today. He’s a sophomore but has more experience that a lot of guys.”
 
Grain Valley’s clear strength was its serving. Nearly everyone served well, including sophomore Houston Jennings, who hit the ball hard on his attempts and made it difficult for the other teams to return the ball.
 
“We have a lot of guys who can put up a good serve,” Jackson said.
 
Despite the wins, there are a couple of areas Grain Valley needs to shore up before their season opener against Rockhurst on March 25, McLaughlin said. Grain Valley had a lot of errors at the net, which resulted in points for Grandview and Northland Christian. Before the season, Squiers noted improving on defense would be key to the team having a successful season. On Monday, McLaughlin noted there was work to do there, too.
 
“I think that can be traced back to the serve receive,” McLaughlin said. “It all starts from there. If the initial pass is slightly off, it gets us out of our system.”

Grain Valley, Circa 1930
Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society

by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society
 

Grain Valley, like the rest of our nation, ushered in the Roaring Twenties with much excitement, cultural change, and economic transformation. Sometimes referred to as the Jazz Age, the 1920s were marked by prosperity, and social change but ended with the stock market crash of 1929.

It is interesting to note the population of Grain Valley only increased by 4 persons, from 354 in the 1920 federal census to 358 listed in the 1930 census. However, these numbers are only for our town; they do not include unincorporate Jackson County. This area would include all of the 1,755 acres of Sni-A-Bar Farms with 17 houses and over 100 individuals living and working on the south edge of town.

Along with the William Rockhill Nelson Estate came increased train traffic and visitors who came via the train and stayed at one of the three hotels near the railroad.  The farms needed grain for the animals, gasoline for their vehicles, clothing, shoe shops,  and barber shops, grocery stores and restaurants. Grain Valley had a vibrant economy in the early to mid-1920s.

While the town may have been a hoppin’ place with a movie theater that had “talking pictures", and a skating rink, the townspeople were joining the Eastern Star, the Royal Neighbors, the Modern Woodman, the Boy Scouts of American, garden clubs, pinochle, bridge, and other groups.

During the late 1920’s my grandparents had an Edison victrola and my mom talked about rolling up the rug in the living room to do the Charleston!

During this time, women gained the right to vote, there was an explosion of activity in the arts and literature, and assembly lines, especially automobiles, were in full swing. Locally, the original Railroad Depot burned in 1920. O’Connell’s Tonsorial also burned 1920 (replaced by the building now called The Iron Kettle). 

In 1923, the high school started a football team just before the original school burned in November 1925.  Also in 1923, Sni-A-Bar Farms started their famous Demonstration Days attracting crowds of 10,000. The Sni-A-Bar Bank closed in 1926, prior to the stock market crash.

Things were exciting and fun in the Roaring Twenties:

• The 19th amendment giving women the right to vote was ratified on August 19, 1020
• Warren Harding died in 1923 and Coolidge became president
• Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindberg both began flying lessons
• Jan 1, 1923 Model T. Ford the first affordable car was invented
• Jan 1, 1925 John Scopes monkey trials began and challenged evolution in the schools
• 1927 Babe Ruth became the 1st player to hit 60 home runs
  
  

But there was also the bad side. Prohibition, murders, lawlessness, organized crime, and the revival of the Ku Klux Klan took some of the shine off of the decade.
​
Next week: Learn about  Sni-A-Bar in the Roaring Twenties
​

by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News

​
A trio of new additions to the Kansas City Mavericks - rookies Noah West, Nathan Dunkley and Zack Trott - are living the dream.
​
Their story is so unique, it seems like part of a Hollywood script. But it's all true. 

Their play has helped the Kansas City Mavericks win their last four games, including a 2-1 thriller Wednesday night at Cable Dahmer Arena. 

West, the Kansas City Mavericks rookie goaltender, who improved to 3-0 in three starts, has a story to tell.

And it's worth listening to.

In what seems more like a script from a movie, West's introduction to professional hockey interrupted breakfast with his girlfriend and resulted in a whirlwind weekend that saw him earn back-to-back victories while the Mavericks completed a three-game series of the Greenville Swamp Rabbits in Greenville, S.C.

"Last week was crazy," said West, who stopped 19 of 20 shots on goal Wednesday night at Cable Dahmer Arena. "I went out to get breakfast for me and my girlfriend and I got a call from my agent. He wanted to know if I could get to Greenville.

"After I found out the Mavericks needed a goalie, I was excited. I let my girlfriend know about the call, and then I got a call from Coach Riley (Weselowski), who made the arrangements for my flight.

"I arrived in Greenville at 5:30 p.m. and Coach Rob (Couturier) picked me up and we made it to the stadium right before the game. I sat on the bench, watched the guys win, then was in goal Saturday and Sunday and we got two wins. And tonight, I was in goal for win No. 3.

"The more I think about this, the more it seems like a movie."

West is 3-0 with a microscopic 1.94 goals against average.

"West is a great young goaltender who has already made an impact on our team," coach Tad O'Had said after his Mavericks improved to 40-16-4-1. "He's a proven winner. He played in 35 games last season at Ferris State College (in Rapid City, Mich., after playing three years at Michigan).

"What's so cool about the last four wins is that our young guys are making such an impact. They've all stepped it up and we're really playing well."

Speaking of the young guys, rookies Nathan Dunkley and Zack Trott made sure West picked up win No. 3 by scoring the tying and winning goals, respectively.

"One of the best things about this team is the culture," said Trott, who has five points in his last three games. "That comes from Coach Tad and Coach Riley and the veterans on the team. We've all be welcomed with open arms, and I feel comfortable when I'm out on the ice because we're all on the same page. We have a lot of chemistry when you think about all the new players we have."

Like Trott, Dunkley is thrilled to be a part of the Mavericks' recent success.

"There are so many good things happening right now, and I think it all goes back to our team culture," Dunkley said. "That comes straight from the top, with Coach O'Had and Coach Weselowski.

"They, along with the veterans on the team, welcomed us and made us feel comfortable. We've won four in a row and we need to keep our foot on the pedal and keep this streak going."

Trailing 1-0 after one period, Dunkley tied the game 1-1 at 19:01 of the second period.

Trott scored the game winner at 11:17 of period No. 3.

"We're proud of the job Noah has done in his three starts," Trott added. "He deserved to win this game. And it's great to win at home. I heard from the guys we have the best fans, and all found out tonight that that's right. We got a lot of energy from our fans.

A crowd of 3,429 attended the game on a cold, wet night in Independence. 

by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News

​
Caffrey Courter, the daughter of Grain Valley High School softball and javelin coach Flip Courter, was a bit nervous.

She was at Tacos 4 Life in Blue Springs, attending a meet and greet with her favorite team, the Kansas City Comets, and she wanted to meet her favorite player, Leo Acosta.

Not only did she get to meet Acosta, they enjoyed a memorable conversation that Caffrey will never forget.

Acosta found out that Caffrey was involved in a school activity Friday night and would not be able to attend the team's 7:05 p.m. game against longtime rival Milwaukee at Cable Dahmer Arena.

When Acosta greeted Caffrey, she maintained her composure throughout the visit with her favorite player.

"Good luck Friday night," Acosta said, sporting a smile that melts young girls' hearts. "I just want to thank you and your family for coming to so many of our games. We think of our fans like family members, and it's special when we get the chance to visit with you in person."

Moments like that are a big reason the Comets led the MASL in single-game attendance (4,892) and overall attendance (57,947) last season.

"I really loved coming to Tacos 4 Life tonight because the food is so good, and the Comets players are so nice," she said. "And I had so much fun talking to Leo. He's even nicer than I thought he would be. He made me feel special."

Acosta feels the same way about Caffrey.

"Our fans come to an event like this and they make us feel good, too," Acosta said. "That's one very special things about this organization - everyone cares about fans. Especially fans like Caffrey and her family."

Those feelings are shared by all the players who attended the event.

"We're playing for a living, and a very nice living, because of our fans," all-star forward Zach Reget said. "The thing I really like about the Comets is that we have a lot of old school players who appreciate and care for our fans. Look around, just about every guy on the team is here tonight."

Including all-star forward Rian Marques, whose wife Korine gave birth to the couple's first child, Adriano, last week in Kansas City.

"I can feel my son calling," a grinning Marques said, as the event wound down. "People asked me why I'm here with a new son at home, and I tell them because I want to be here. Our fans are very special."

All-star defender Chad Vandegriffe said he looks forward to the meet and greet events.

"What I really enjoy is meeting our fans who come to our games and our events like this," Vandegriffe said, "and then getting to meet new fans. It's personal to me. These fans are a part of our Comets family. We have as much fun visiting with them as they do meeting us."

Tacos 4 Life franchisees Drew and Nicole Vaden recently moved to the metro area and their restaurant quickly became a sponsor of the Comets. Tacos 4 Life provides food at many of the team's home game, and the Vadens have enjoyed its relationship with the MASL team.

"It's been a great partnership," said Drew Vaden, whose young sons Brooks and Benny were collecting the players' autographs on a team photo. "Twenty nine cents of every taco, nachos, rice bowls, salads, burritos - is donated to Feed My Starving Children (fmsc.org). We have donated food and time to serve more than 1 million people in the metro area.

"We have farm fresh, made from scratch food, and we're involved in our community. And after seeing how the team interacts with its fans, we're honored to be associated with the Comets."

Brian Roth, the Comets vice president of sales, attended the event and left smiling.

"Not many professional sports organizations have events like this," Roth said, "and I think that's one big reason we lead the MASL in attendance. We have a great team and a great coach and our guys get it. You watch them at this event and they are having as much fun as the fans. It's fun to watch, and it is genuine."

After most of the fans left Tacos 4 Life, Brooks and Benny sat down to count their autographs.

"I play baseball, football and basketball," 7-year-old Benny said, "but now that I got to meet the players, I'm a soccer fan. This was super cool because they were so nice."

Brooks, 5, said he wants to play soccer.

"We're going to the game Friday and I want to meet the players again and talk about playing soccer," Brooks said. "This is the most fun I've ever had!"