Blue Springs South seemed to have the game wrapped up.
     The Jaguars were leading the Grain Valley football team 21-17 with a little more than 2 minutes remaining in the game. South had just converted third-and-10 at its own 19 after a 12-yard screen pass from quarterback Cash Parker to wide receiver Tommy Lapour.
     All the Jaguars had to do was run out the remaining time on the clock as Grain Valley had no timeouts. The Eagles defense made big plays the entire game, so did it have one more left in them?
     It did.
     Senior middle linebacker Brody Baker forced a fumble after a Theodis Thomas run up the middle, and the ball was recovered by senior defensive end Jake Allen at the South 35-yard line with 2 minutes and 4 seconds remaining.
     That eventually led to a 5-yard touchdown run by quarterback Caleb Larson with 28.6 seconds left as the Eagles won a 24-21 thriller Friday at home.
     The win was Grain Valley’s first over a Class 6 team.
     “That’s huge,” Grain Valley head coach David Allie said. “We’re growing and someday soon, we are going to be at that level. You have to test yourself.”
     The fumble recovery breathed new life into the Eagles and gave them a chance when it seemed like the game was all but over.
     “I just recovered it, Brody was the one who stripped the ball,” Allen said. “I got a double team and I tried to split it. That didn’t work so I spun off of it and the ball landed right in my hands.”
     On the final drive, Grain Valley (3-2) had the ball at the South 17-yard line after a pair of 2-yard runs and an incomplete pass.
     On fourth-and-6, Larson dropped back to pass and rolled to his right. No receiver was open so he tucked the ball and ran to pick up 9 yards and a first down after being pushed out of bounds. Following a Ty Williams 3-yard run to the 5, Larson, who had a monster game with 174 yards on 23 carries, punched it in with a run up the middle after a fake handoff to put the Eagles up 24-21.
     “I want to give a huge shout out to my offensive line and my running backs and Ty Williams for blocking for me on those quarterback runs,” Larson said. “He takes a beating for me, without him, I wouldn’t be able to do that.”
     With just 28.6 seconds left, Parker managed to get the Jaguars down to the Grain Valley 19-yard line. South place kicker Jack Brickhouse had a chance to tie the game with a 36-yard field goal attempt, but it was short as the Eagles crowd, coaches and players were sent into a frenzy.
     The Grain Valley defense stepped up big to limit an explosive Jaguar offense that came into the evening averaging 42 points per game. It held South to 388 total yards, forced three turnovers and sacked Parker three times.
     “Our front line was able to get pressure on the quarterback and our (defensive backs) had great coverage on their receivers,” Allen said. “Their quarterback has some crazy stats, but I think our defense held him to half the yards he had been getting.
     “I do think we were the best defense that they have seen (this season).”
     Keagan Hart intercepted a Parker pass that was tipped at the line of scrimmage late in the first period and junior defensive end Rhylan Alcanter may have made the play of the night for Grain Valley.
     Blue Springs South (3-2) had the ball at the Grain Valley 36-yard line and was ahead 14-10. Parker tried to hit a receiver on an out route but Alcanter tipped his pass, stumbled and caught the ball and returned the interception for 36 yards for a TD and a 17-14 lead with 2:38 remaining in the third.
     “I saw it was going to be an out route or a screen, so I knew I had to get my hands up,” Alcanter said. “I am so excited right now. I saw the ball and I tipped it and thought, ‘Oh! This is catchable! The love I got from my teammates; you can trade that for anything.”
     Added Allen: “That was the most athletic play I have ever seen in my life. Without that play, our momentum would have been totally different.”
     Allie has high praise for Alcanter and the play.
     “How about that?” Allie asked rhetorically. “That shows his athletic ability. He was stumbling, I thought he was going to go down. He kept his feet and took it into the end zone. That was probably one of the best plays I have seen a (defensive lineman) make.”
     South scored on its opening drive of the game when a screen pass from Parker to Lapour went 58 yards and set up a 1-yard TD run for Parker to put South up 7-0.
     Grain Valley responded on its first drive when Larson found a big hole up the middle, shed one tackle and rumbled 51-yards for a score to tie the game at 7-all at the 7:09 mark in the first.
     Brickhouse missed a 47-yard field goal for South with 50.9 seconds left in the first quarter, but Grain Valley place kicker Austin Schmitt nailed a 27-yard attempt to give the Eagles a 10-7 lead, a score that held until halftime.
     South scored on its first possession of the second half, as well, when a 56-yard screen pass from Parker to Lapour set up a 1-yard TD run from Thomas to make it 14-10 with 5:56 left in the third.
     After Alcanter’s interception put the Eagles back up by three, Parker responded when he hit Malachi Howard on a fade route for a 23-yard touchdown pass to put South up 21-17 with 1:30 remaining at the third.
     The Jaguars nearly put the game away late in the fourth, but the Eagles defense and Larson had other ideas.
     “That’s history breaking for us,” Alcanter said when asked about Grain Valley getting its first win against a Class 6 program. “I am so happy for our coach. He deserves it. All of our coaches do.”

     The Board of Education met for its regularly scheduled meeting on September 22nd, approving the tax rate levy for the 2022-23 school year. The rate for the 2022-23 school year is set at $4.9271, a $.0008 increase from the 2021-22 school year ($4.9263).
     Dr. Nick Gooch, Assistant Superintendent, Support Services, presented details on assessments, debt service, and operating levies in advance of the meeting. 

     Breakdown of the $459,728,481 total assessment:
     $303,407,836 residential
     $1,416,562 agricultural
     $55,079,386 commercial
     $99,824,697 personal property

     The operating levy rate for 2022-23 increased slightly to $3.2271 from $3.2263 in 2021-22. The proposed debt service levy of $1.70 remains the same as the 2021-22 school year.
     During administrative dashboard reporting, Gooch also reported on several items, including the anticipated decrease in school lunch participation once universal free lunch concluded in the spring.
     School lunch participation is down 19% (from 66% to 47%), coming off of two years of free lunches provided through COVID-19 pandemic related funding. Breakfast dropped from 29% to 11%. Free & reduced lunch participation is up (currently 26.11%). 200 students qualify on a carryover basis from last school year – these students have until October 5th to reenroll in the program.  
     The food service department experienced challenges at the start of the year, losing nine employees, including a manager at the high school. Three more have been hired since the start of school, but the department is still 6 short of a full staff of 35.
    Construction on the district’s new central office is proceeding as scheduled, with interior/exterior metal framing complete. Roofing should begin in next 2 weeks, with initial asphalt for parking lot scheduled for the week of September 26th.
     Gooch also reported safety bollards will be installed at the entrances of each district building.
     Per board request, the technology department priced four options for classroom cameras and microphones. Gooch reported to equip each classroom in the district, 270 kits would be needed. The cost to equip each classroom ranges from $573,750 to $2,889,000.
     Board member Jeff Coleman asked for a per classroom cost, stating the estimates “went to the extreme with every classroom in Grain Valley”. Gooch shared the per classroom cost, not including installation based on the cheapest option, would be $2125. The costs for installing cameras and microphones in each high school classroom would be $133,875 for the cheapest option; equipping middle school classrooms would be an estimated $146,625. The topic of classroom cameras will be brought back to the board for further review.
     Gooch also reported the district’s E-Sports program is off to a strong start, with 60 students participating at the JV and varsity levels.
     Dr. Beth Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services, reported a new law recently signed by Governor Parson ensures that students earning a score of 3 or higher on AP exams will automatically earn college credit at in-state public universities.
     Dr. Amanda Allen, Assistant Superintendent, Student and Community Services, reported the high school and middle schools recently completed the Signs of Suicide (SOS) program.
     The suicide prevention program educates students on the connection between depression and suicide and encourages students to seek help for themselves or others through a trusted adult, using the programs ACT message:

• Acknowledge that you are seeing signs of depression or suicide in yourself or a friend and that it is serious.
• Let you friend know how much you Care about them and that you are concerned that they need help.
• Tell a trusted adult that you are worried about yourself or a friend.

     At the high school, there were 72 initial requests to speak with a counselor following the SOS program this year (compared to 54 in 2021, and 46 in 2020). At both the high school and middle school level, the majority of requests were self-referrals.
     Allen also pointed to the increase in families requesting assistance through the BackSnack program. 183 families are currently being served in the program. A food drive for the program will be held next week.
     The district also received 7,000 pairs of Bombas socks through a partnership with the Community Services League. Socks will be distributed to students and staff in the district.
     Superintendent Dr. Brad Welle highlighted the fentanyl crisis and educational efforts the district is undertaking to inform students and families of the risks. The district is investigating acquiring Narcan (Naloxone), used to treat narcotic overdose in emergency situations. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is offering Narcan to districts with medical provider oversight.
     The Board also reviewed three board policies, which Board President Jared English explained to an unusually large audience for a board meeting, is an ongoing effort of the board to regularly review all policies.
     No changes were made to the student dress code policy, but Welle explained language currently articulated in middle and high school handbooks will be added to elementary level handbooks. Welle reported all building principals worked with administration to review the current policy, which was last reviewed in 2005. Board member Jeff Porter that the policy be brought to the board once more for further review.
     Additionally, the board policy regarding teaching about controversial issues was asked to be returned for a second review. Administration recommended no changes to the current policy.
     Finally, the board reviewed the current policy and process for public concerns and complaints, which will also be further reviewed at a future meeting.
     The Board canceled its October workshop in order to tour the Fort Osage Career & Tech Center (CTC). 

This is an editorial: An editorial, like news reporting, is based on objective facts, but shares an opinion. The conclusions and opinions here have been derived by the guest contributor and are not associated with the news staff.


     I am pleased to announce that the Missouri House and Senate passed the Missouri Agriculture Tax Credit. This not only helps Missouri farmers but those that consume Missouri agricultural products. Any time we can lower and help farmers (big and small) that creates a ripple effect to our communities. We all have eat! Support your local farmer!
 
House Advances Measure to Support Missouri Farmers (HB 3)
     Lawmakers returned to the State Capitol building this week to give their support to legislation that will support and promote key areas of Missouri’s agriculture industry. House members approved HB 3 as part of the special legislative session called by Gov. Mike Parson.
     Parson called the special session after vetoing HB 1720, which created and renewed a number of agriculture incentives that would sunset after two years. Parson asked lawmakers to return to Jefferson City to approve a version of the bill that would give the programs a six-year sunset.
     The bill approved this week by the House extends and creates several agriculture tax credit programs. The sunset for each program would be for a minimum of six years. If approved by both chambers and signed into law by the governor, the bill would:

• Extend the expiration of the meat processing facility investment tax credit;
• Create a tax credit program for retail dealers of higher ethanol blend fuels;
• Create a tax credit program for retail dealers of biodiesel;
• Create a tax credit program for Missouri biodiesel producers;
• Create a tax credit program for establishing or improving urban farming operations;
• Extend the expiration of the Rolling Stock Tax Credit program;
• Extend the expiration of the Agricultural Product Utilization Contributor Tax Credit;
• Extend the expiration of the New Generation Cooperative Incentive Tax Credit;
• Exempt utility vehicles for agriculture use from state and local sales and use taxes;
• Create the Specialty Agricultural Crops Act; and
• Amend the Family Farms Act to modify the definition of small farmer.

     The bill’s sponsor said, “This bill is tailored right now towards family farms and smaller businesses.” He noted agriculture is a self-sufficient industry but could use assistance now because of rising interest rates, greatly increased input costs, and drought conditions in some parts of the state. He said, “The stars are lining up as they did in the late 70s and early 80s in what was considered the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression for agriculture.”
     The bill approved by the House contains all of the provisions called for by Gov. Parson. The House did add an additional four provisions that technically fall outside the governor’s call. The four provisions pertain to land surveys, commercial log trucking, anhydrous ammonia, and the state’s soybean producers assessment. Lawmakers believe the governor will expand the special session call to allow the four additional provisions.
     The bill’s sponsor said it has a price tag of $40 million for an agriculture industry that generates $94 billion in economic activity. He noted that agriculture is one of the state’s top revenue producers and that one out of every 10 jobs in Missouri is related to the agriculture industry.
     The sponsor concluded by saying, “There’s good stuff in here. I think it gives small businesses, the small farms, an opportunity to compete in the arena with the big farms and the big businesses. I would ask that people really think about this and do what’s best for the small business farmers in our state.”
     The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. The Senate sent identical legislation (SB 8) to the House this week. The two chambers will work on the bills next week with the hope of sending one or both of them to the governor to be signed into law.
 
Senate Sends Tax Cut Plan to House (SB 3)
     The members of the Missouri Senate also met this week to work on a tax cut plan that will allow Missourians to keep more of their hard-earned dollars. The tax cut was called for by Gov. Mike Parson, who asked legislators to help Missourians keep more of their hard-earned dollars.
Parson asked legislators to reduce the individual income tax rate, increase the standard deduction, and further simplify the tax code. His proposal would reduce the top individual income tax rate from 5.3 to 4.8 percent. It would also increase the standard deduction for individuals by $2,000 and by $4,000 for married joint filers, and eliminate the bottom income tax bracket.
    The plan approved by the Senate would reduce the state’s top tax rate to 4.95 percent. It would also add four future reductions that would be triggered by revenue growth. If fully implemented, the Senate plan would make the top tax rate 4.5 percent. The Senate bill does not increase the standard deduction as requested by Gov. Parson with his special session call.
     The bill now moves to the House where members will have the opportunity to pass the bill in its current form or make changes that will require further negotiation with the Senate. The House is expected to take the bill up next week.

Veto Session Concludes
     While legislators were back in Jefferson City to convene for special session, they also wrapped up work on their annual veto session. Veto session gives lawmakers the opportunity to consider override motions to put bills into effect as law despite the governor’s objections. This year the House and Senate had three vetoed House Bills and one vetoed Senate Bill to consider, as well as line-item vetoes in eight appropriations bills. House and Senate members chose not to attempt any veto overrides on the first day of veto session, which was held September 14. The annual veto session officially concluded on September 21 when lawmakers again opted not to attempt overrides on any of the governor’s vetoes. 

Recognizing Farm Safety and Health Week
     During the same week the members of the Missouri House worked to advance legislation supporting the state’s agriculture industry, the Missouri Department of Agriculture announced the celebration of Farm Safety and Health Week. Established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944, the third week of September is officially set aside to recognize that fall harvest time can be one of the busiest and most dangerous seasons of the year for the agriculture industry. This year’s theme established by the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) is Protecting Agriculture’s Future.
     Missouri is blessed to serve as home to 95,000 farms and employs nearly 460,000 people in agriculture, forestry and related industries. Agriculture remains the state’s number one economic driver, supporting both rural and urban communities from farm to fork. In turn, farm safety and health is of utmost importance throughout the state.
     The director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture said, “The safety of our farmers and ranchers remains a top priority for my team each year. We live in a fast-paced world, and an equally-fast-paced industry. Reminding farmers to slow down, pay attention and take care of themselves is something I emphasize as the director of agriculture.”
     In an effort to help protect agricultural health and safety professionals, healthcare providers, extension agents, producers, farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers, the AgriSafe Network is hosting daily webinars throughout the week. Topics include tractor and roadway safety, grain bin safety, wildfire and heat safety, workplace sexual harassment prevention, injury prevention, and mental health help for youth and adults.
     Mental health is equally as important as physical health in the agriculture industry. The Missouri Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the AgriSafe Network, has launched the AgriStress Helpline for Missouri to provide Missouri farmers and ranchers a free and confidential mental health service. The Helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Producers can call or text (833) 897-2474 to speak to a healthcare professional.
     For more information on National Farm Safety and Health week, visit https://www.necasag.org/nationalfarmsafetyandhealthweek/. To learn more about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs, visit Agriculture.Mo.Gov.
     Please let me know If you have other concerns and suggestions.  If you would like to schedule a specific time to meet locally, please call my office at 573-751-1487, or email my office at jeff.coleman@house.mo.gov. 
 

     In advance of the November 8th election, Valley News will look at the issues voters will see on the ballot. Up first, the retention of a number of Missouri judges.
     Missouri operates under a nonpartisan court plan, which provides for both partisan and retention judicial elections.
     Partisan-elected judges run under a party label against challengers, unless no one chooses to oppose them. Voters elect their local judges during regular elections. Elected judges must run for reelection at the end of each term. Nonpartisan judges do not run against challengers, and voters are asked to vote for or against them based on the strength of their performance on the bench.  Nonpartisan judges are forbidden to campaign for retention under the Code of Judicial Conduct. 
     To help voters gain insight as to the performance of judges seeking retention this year, the Judicial Performance Review Committee – a statewide panel of lawyers, non-lawyers and retired judges – reviews the performance of each nonpartisan judge appearing on this year’s general election ballot.
     To learn more about the judges up for retention on the November ballot, visit the Missouri Plan's website at Judges - Missouri Judicial Evaluations (yourmissourijudges.org). 
     Absentee voting for the November election begins September 27th. Voters must be registered by October 12th in order to vote in the November election. For more information on registering and to view a sample ballot, visit On the Ballot | Jackson County Missouri Election Board (jcebmo.org). 

     Grain Valley residents, residents of unincorporated Jackson County, and other communities in the regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program may dispose of unwanted hazardous waste during a collection event on Saturday, September 24th from 8:00am - Noon. The collection event will be held at Jackson County Public Works, 34900 E Old US Highway 40.
     Accepted materials include batteries, paint, lawn and garden chemicals, automotive fluids, fluorescent lighting bulbs. Household waste only will be accepted - no waste from businesses, nonprofits, home-based businesses, and rental properties will be accepted. 

     The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the Semifinalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program and two Grain Valley High School seniors have received this recognition. Semifinalists Carmen Myers and Evan Reich have the opportunity to continue the competition for the 7,250 National Merit Scholarship worth nearly $28 million that will be awarded in the spring.
      Of the 1.5 million entrants representing 21,000 high schools in this academic competition, these two distinguished individuals are among approximately 16,000 students nationwide to achieve this honor. They entered the competition as high school juniors by taking the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen for program entrants.
     The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. They are now qualified to compete for a share of 7,250 National Merit Scholarships, collectively worth more than $28 million, and advance to the Finalist standing. The Finalists will be announced in the spring.
     "Over the last 15 years, Grain Valley High School has had a half dozen National Merit Semi-Finalists and more than a dozen Commended Students" Grain Valley High School Principal, Dr. Jeremy Plowman said in a district email. 
    "They represent everything we have been preaching since Dr. Mulvey became principal of the high school in 2007. They excel in multiple sports and activities throughout the year. Each has taken the most rigorous academic classes available."

by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society


     There may be more Corns than cockleburs in Jackson County!
     Samuel W. and Mary “Polly” Slaughter Corn were from Franklin County, Virginia. They must have arrived in Jackson County around 1835. While the Corn family appeared in the 1840 United States Census as residents of Jackson County, Missouri, the census did not state a specific location. The census did, however, list eight living children, the foundation for all of the Corn’s in Jackson County.
     The first two burials in Corn Cemetery in Oak Grove were their infant daughter Maona (July 26, 1836 – September 10, 1837) and their daughter-in-law, Nancy (1816- October, 1837) Nancy died following the birth of a son, Solomon. She was married to their eldest son, John Slaughter Corn.
     A study of the 1877 Historical Atlas of Jackson County (Plat map) revealed that the land on what is today Corn Road was owned by Martin Corn, their second son. His nearly 250 acres of land is in the southernmost part of Township 48 North, Range 30 West, section 25 and 36. The land lies along the west bank of Sni-A-Bar Creek in Van Buren Township. The 1860 United States Federal Census list Martin Corn, his wife Martha and 8 of their 11 children as living in Division 35, Jackson County, Missouri, slightly west of the land they owned in 1877. Their Post Office was Stony Point.
     Martin and Martha (Cummings) Corn’s son, George Washington Corn (1849-1926) married Elizabeth Temple in 1871. Martin continued to live and work on his father’s farm which he, in turn passed down to his eldest son, Samuel Addison Corn (1876-1951). Samuel married Widdie Alma Perdue, a descendent of the Perdue Cemetery family.
     And finally, we come to the final Corn family owner, Fred Corn. Many in this area will remember Fred, his wife Hazel and their daughter Kay (Grain Valley Class of 1959). Mr. Corn was a small crop farmer and he had some dairy cattle. He was on the Grain Valley Board of Education during the 1950s and 60s. The family attended the Grain Valley Christian Church. On my drive through the countryside last week, I went past the farm where I remember they lived. At least I think I had the right location.
     As I researched information for this article, I was reminded of all the Corn family members I’ve known over the years. There were a lot. Many of you will remember Corn’s Thriftway in Oak Grove. Carl Corn was the great-great grandson of Sam and Polly! His father was Della, his grandfather was John Henry, and his great grandfather was John Slaughter Corn, Martin’s brother.
     You can find them all, or at least a lot of them, in the Corn Cemetery on Corn Cemetery Road off R. D. Mize Road in Oak Grove.
              

     Since the beginning of the pandemic, cybercrime has become more rampant among individuals and businesses. Most of you are familiar with common cyber-attacks such as phishing, smishing, vishing, credential stuffing, and ransomware attacks. However, an old tactic called scareware is starting to increase.
     Scareware works with criminals using web browser popups to trick you into thinking your computer or smart device is infected with a virus or has been hacked. What can you do about this latest threat? Check out these quick and easy tips to make sure you don't fall for this latest trap from crooks trying to steal your data.
     99% of all cyberattacks require user interaction. This means, you have to click on a link or pop up before your device is infected. Scareware attacks work so well against you because they use social engineering tactics which create a sense of urgency and fear. This makes you want to take action right away rather than to stop and think if the threat is real. If you get a message on your computer or device that pops up saying there is a virus or other problem, you will want to take care of it immediately rather than having your device ruined. There are several ways hackers will use to launch a scareware attack on your devices:
     Malvertising. Malvertising is known as malicious advertising. Criminals use third-party software to show bogus ads that will take you to infected websites. This allows cybercriminals to spread malware, posing as legitimate ads on popular websites. When looking at ads on a website, make sure it's for legitimate products or services.

     Pop-up Alerts: Web Browser popups are one of the most common scareware attack techniques used by hackers. This method is considered 'drive-by hacking' as it relies on you visiting websites that are designed to infect your devices. Hackers do this by purchasing domain names of the misspellings of popular websites. Once you visit the website, a file or plugin when downloaded to your device and create a popup message. Sometimes the popup alert is small allowing you to close the pop-up. Sometimes the pop-up takes up the full screen of your devices making it impossible to get rid of it. In most cases, these pop-ups are stubborn and difficult to shut down. If you experience such an issue, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to restart your system if you're using Windows. Apple devices you can hit Option, Command, and Esc (Escape) to close the Window. iOS and Android devices, you will have to power the device down completely and restart it.

     Phishing. Phishing comes in many forms, voice, text, and email, and is used by criminals to get you to visit bogus websites. Pretending to be a legitimate company, scareware phishing attempts ask you to click on a link to do a number of things such as downloading software, to help remove a threat, or to fill out a form with your personal information.

     File Downloads/Web Browser Plugins. Sometimes hackers will offer you free software, books, songs, or web browser plugins. Beware, as sometimes criminals will hide malware inside these offers.

     Tips to Avoid Scareware. It doesn't matter your level of tech intelligence; anyone can become a victim of scareware. Always watch where you surf on the web and what you click on. Most people think criminals break into their computers and devices. In most instances, you're the one who is giving access to crooks. Here are some tips to keep you safe.

     Don’t React Immediately. Scareware is fear-based. Sometimes when you download it on your computer, you might hear a warning message, sirens, and other things to make you take action. When you get one of these pop-ups on your device, slow down and take your time. In most instances, you can simply close down the pop-up.

     Identify the Sender with incoming emails. If you get a strange email, you can read it, but never click on links to download files or visit a website without identifying the sender.

     Don't click on unknown links in emails or text messages. If you’re not familiar with a domain address or you can't tell what website the link will have you visit, don't click on it!

     I hope you can use these tips to help identify scareware in any form that it can show up on your devices or computers. If you need further assistance, please reach out to me with any questions you might have. I am always happy to help!

     Looking for More Useful Tech Tips? Our Tuesday Tech Tips Blog is released every Tuesday. If you like video tips, we LIVE STREAM new episodes of 'Computer and Tech Tips for Non-Tech People' every Wednesday at 1:00 pm CST on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. You can view previous episodes on our YouTube channel.


     Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@callintegralnow.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone.

     On August 12th, 24 teams of golfers came to Adams Pointe Golf Club to participate in the annual GV Eagle Golf fundraiser.  The 20th annual event was originally started by then GVHS Activities Director Jeff Tebbenkamp and benefits the GV Education Foundation, Eagle Booster Club and the GVHS Activities department.
     This year's event was won by the team of Don Hawes, Jason Brown, Dave Newman and Brian Crumm with a score of 51.  The event also featured a hole-in-one by John Novak on the par 3 8th hole, who won a set of Callaway irons.
     Over $5,000 was raised by the event, and plans are already underway for the 21st annual to be held next fall.  Contact Jerry Vaughan, foundation director, at jvaughan@gvr5.net if you would like to be a part of next year's tournament.

     Sticking to the budget is top of mind for many shoppers but can be challenging when planning family meals! This National Family Meals Month, with help from your Hy-Vee registered dietitian team, we hope to show you how shopping with health in mind does not have to break the bank. Skip the fast food and eat healthier to stick to your budget and health goals as a whole family!
     Eating at home can be a healthier and less costly option when you follow these dietitian-approved tips:
 
1.MAKE MEAL PLANNING A PRIORITY: Planning meals in advance helps pinpoint the ingredients needed and makes shopping more efficient. Decide what you want to eat and buy just the ingredients called for in the recipes (after checking your pantry to make sure you don’t double up on ingredients you already have); that way you are not tempted to add in extra calories. Explore healthy recipes at Hy-Vee.com/recipes. The searchable database has hundreds of recipes listed according to category (appetizer, main dish, one dish, dessert, etc.). You also can search under special dietary considerations such as vegan, vegetarian, low-carb and diabetes-friendly.

2.GROCERY SHOPPING: Use Hy-Vee’s grocery delivery or pick-up to stop impulse buys and stick to your grocery list. You can ensure you are getting just what you need and sticking to your budget!

3.SHOP IN SEASON: Fresh fruits and veggies that are in season often taste better and are a cost-effective way to get more plants into your diet! Enjoy these while they are readily available and then switch to frozen in their off-season or canned unsweetened fruit and no-salt-added canned vegetables. Canned and frozen options are nutritiously dense, budget-friendly and perfect for keeping your pantry/freezer stocked with better-for-you sides and snacks!

4.SHOP HY-VEE’S EXCLUSIVE VALUE BRAND That’s Smart! Stock your pantry with Hy-Vee’s exclusive value brand and save an average of 15-20% over national name brands! Using Hy-Vee’s That’s Smart! for pantry staples, canned goods, frozen items dairy and snacks is a great way to cook with quality ingredients without spending a fortune!

5.FOCUS ON NUTRIENT-RICH FOODS: Stock up on foods that offer a nutritional punch without knocking out your budget. Eggs, oatmeal, beans, brown rice, nonfat Greek yogurt, whole-wheat bread and multigrain pasta are just some examples of inexpensive, nutrient-dense foods you can plan satisfying meals around.
 
     Enjoy these That’s Smart! Chicken Enchiladas — a delicious, family-friendly dinner option that is easy on the wallet!
 
That’s Smart! Chicken Enchiladas
 
All you need:
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 (15.5-oz) jar That’s Smart! mild salsa
1 (8-oz) pkg That’s Smart! cream cheese, cubed
1 tbsp That’s Smart! chili powder
1 (15-oz) can Hy-Vee no-salt-added black beans
1 cup That’s Smart! shredded imitation Cheddar cheese
8 Hy-Vee fajita-size whole-wheat tortillas
1 (10-oz) can Hy-Vee red enchilada sauce
Desired toppings such as light sour cream or cilantro
 
All you do:
1)Spray a 4-to-6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray. Add chicken, salsa and cream cheese to slow cooker; sprinkle with chili powder. Cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5 hours, stirring occasionally.
2)Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred using two forks. Place chicken back in the slow cooker for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
3)Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Add 1/3 cup shredded chicken filling to each tortilla. Top with 1 tablespoon shredded imitation Cheddar cheese. Wrap tightly and place seam-side-down in prepared dish. Cover with red enchilada sauce and wrap tightly with foil. Bake 20 minutes or until heated through (165 degrees).
 
Tip: Make these enchiladas ahead of time and freeze until you're ready to serve! Make enchiladas and place in prepared 9x13-inch baking pan. Cover with enchilada sauce and wrap tightly with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until heated through (165 degrees).

4)Serve topped with desired toppers such as sour cream, additional cheese and/or cilantro.
 
Recipe source: https://www.hy-vee.com/recipes-ideas/recipes/thats-smart-chicken-enchiladas
 
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The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.