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I know many of you are losing sleep worrying if some cyber crook is snooping around your Wi-Fi network, looking for information that will help them gain access to your username and passwords that will allow them to hack into your social media accounts, email and financial websites. Fear not, in our digital world it's nearly impossible for hackers to gain access to your home or business network.
Seriously. 99% of cybercrime requires user interaction, which means as long as you're not clicking on links in emails and text messages as well as not using weak passwords for your Wi-Fi router, you're safe. However, there's nothing wrong with checking your wireless router now and then to see if any unknown devices are connected. Follow these tips to keep the bad guys from connecting to your wifi and avoid being the free neighborhood hotspot. Download and use your router app. Every router manufactured in the past five years has an app that allows you to change your settings as well as see how many devices are connected to your Wi-Fi network. Your router app can remove unknown devices giving you peace of mind when you see a strange device show up on your network. You can also log directly from your router from your computer or smartphone to see what devices are connected. You would need your router's IP (Internet Protocol) address. If you're not familiar on how to achieve this, you would be better off using the app. Additionally, if you're using a router from your Internet Service Provider (ISP), you should be able to call them and they can give you an idea of what devices are connected. Use an IP Scanner. An IP scanner is a tool you can use to find out what devices are connected to your Wi-Fi network. One of my favorites is Angry IP and it works on Windows and Mac devices. If you prefer to use your smartphone, try Fing. Both apps will scan your wireless (and wired) network to let you see what devices are connected. Other Tips to follow: Set up a Guest Network. If you have family members and neighborhood kids who insist on using wifi when you visit or have an office and you want your customers to be able to use Wi-Fi, setup a guest network access with your router. This will allow those guest to connect to the Internet without risking them access to your main network. Guest network access is great because you can turn off the guest network which prevents anyone from connecting whenever they want. Hide your Service Set Identifier (SSID). An SSID is the identifier for your wireless network. Its purpose is to let your devices know which network to connect to to join a home or business network. Under normal circumstances, your SSID is visible to help you easily connect to your wireless network. To keep your wifi network secure, you should go into your router settings and make it invisible. When it's invisible your home and business neighbors are well as criminals can't see your wifi name to connect. Only you will know and only the people you share with will know. Going Through a Breakup, remove your partner's access. If you're breaking up with someone, make sure you remove their devices from your wireless network. There's no reason someone you're no longer involved with should have access to your wifi. Same thing with employees you've let go. When you continue to allow them access, you increase the chances they can log into your network and conduct some malicious access. Change your Wi-Fi password from time to time. You know the drill, treat passwords like underwear. Change them frequently. Replace your router every five years. Internet technology changes frequently which means if you want those speeds your internet provider promised you, you need to switch out that router. When you change out your router, you also remove access to anyone who connected to your old one. Hopefully, this will help you keep an eye out for anyone who manages to get access to your Wi-Fi. If you have any questions, please reach out. I'm always available. Need computer repair service near you? My company Integral offers the highest quality computer repair service nationwide. If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team. Our team of friendly tech experts organization can help you with any IT needs you might have. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829.
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by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society A few years ago, I was able to establish that this photograph was taken after 1912. Each time I look at it, I try to find other clues as to the exact year. So far, the “exact” year still eludes me. However, here’s what I do know. These two building are on Lot 10 and Lot 11 of the Graves and Ashcraft Addition. They were built in 1912 by Edward Williams. Mr. Williams owned several lots in the original town, on the east side of Broadway (now Main Street). They included his home on the southeast corner of Broadway and Walnut Street. The Williams Building, Circa 1912
The buildings originally housed a car dealership, which probably sold the latest style Model T, or was it Model A (I don’t know much about cars), as well as buggy parts and wheels. I only wish I could read the sign over the door of the building on Lot 10. Was the photo taken in April? Probably not, but it is the April photograph in the 2024 Grain Valley Historical Society calendar. I further believe the photo was taken prior to 1920 because the Grain Valley property tax records that year tell us the building on the left was them owned by Edward E. Storms. An old medicine bottle on exhibit at the Historical Society is from Storms Pharmacy. I remember these two building from the early 1950s. The old pharmacy was then Casey’s Drug Store. They sold over the counter medicines and first aid supplies; however, there were no prescription drugs. I especially remember the soda fountain that had hand dipped ice cream cones! The building on the right housed the U. S. Post Office in a small room at the front and the rear portion was a restaurant with a number of different proprietors over the years. When Grace Mickel ran it they had a yummy chicken dinner special every Sunday. (Valley News , June 4, 2020 and May 9. 2022) Today, both buildings are owned by The Bank of Grain Valley. The old drug store is an annex and storage space for the bank. The building on the left is now The Pottery Palace. by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society
Irene Costigan Snow Roy Gosney Herman Stokes Pearl Johnson Kaufman Jewell Johnson Graham Lorena Ketterman Ina Harris Mitchell Rosalie Phillips Hostetter Lawrence Cannon May Bailey Sallie Beggs Williams Housewives, teacher, technician, cashier, farmer, and barber. The students in the Class of 1924 pursued a variety of vocations after graduation from Grain Valley High School. Five classmates stayed in Grain Valley while four headed off to Kansas City. One became a farmer’s wife near Odessa, Missouri, and Rosalie Hostetter traveled all the way to Joplin, Missouri, where she became a technician; what type of technician, I do not know! If you are very new to our town, Lawrence Cannon may be the only surname you recognize. In the late 1880s the Cannon family owned a tract of land south of the railroad track that runs through our town. Thus, Cannon was one of the early additions to Grain Valley and Cannon Street runs through the addition. J. W. Cannon, Lawrence’s father, was the notary public that signed the document making Grain Valley a town in 1878. (Valley News, August 6, 2020) Lawrence went on to become a teacher in Kansas City. If you live North of town, you may recognize the Ketterman name, as well. The road was probably named for her parents who came to the area from West Virginia in the early 1900s. Zachariah David and Florence Elvessa owned a farmed on Ketterman Road where they raised their 11 children. Three other names may be recognizable to long-time Grain Valley residents. Irene Costigan was part of the Dennis & Martha (O’Connell) Costigan family that still have relatives in this area. Her father was Joseph Patrick Costigan and one of her brothers was Harold Costigan, the WW II veteran that survived the Bataan Death March in 1942. Irene married Ralph Snow and raised three children Leanna (Cogan), Leon Snow, and Alice Snow. Another long-time resident Jewell Johnson. She married Edgar Graham (Class of 1922) and they owned an apple orchard on Buckner Tarsney Road (between Duncan and Pink Hill) for several years during the 1950s and early 1960s. Finally, Ina Harris Mitchell lived with her family on Harris Street, just south of the railroad tracks. She married Bill Mitchell, a Scotsman, who was employed by Sni-A-Bar Farms. In addition to raising their three daughters, Ina was a clerk at more than one grocery store in Grain Valley. Her friendly face and warm smile welcomed many of us to Minter’s and later Frantz’s Grocery Store when we were growing up in Grain Valley. There are still many Harris offspring in Grain Valley, including my neighbor and her grandson, Richard Danner. As for the other members of the Class of 1924, I’m not sure. If my Class of 1962 Algebra II class hasn’t failed me, the class size has increased about 3200% in the past 100 years. I hope some of the 2024 graduates will stick around our town and become a part of our past as a legacy for our future. by Phil Hanson, President and CEO, Truman Heartland Community Foundation
The residents of Eastern Jackson County in Missouri are known for their generosity. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with many of them. As the President and CEO of Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF), it is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. In a world that can sometimes be cold and impersonal, it is heartwarming to encounter so many exceptional individuals who dedicate their lives to improving their communities for everyone. They do it without expecting anything in return, and it is inspiring when the community foundation gets to be a part of their efforts. Each year, members of the THCF Board of Directors and four Community Advisory Boards nominate individuals, businesses, and organizations whose volunteerism, dedication to community, and philanthropy have made a significant impact on our suburban Eastern Jackson, Cass, and Lafayette County communities. It is a daunting task to narrow down the nominations, and I am thankful for all the members of the THCF Board who were tasked with making the final decisions. With all of that, it is my great pleasure to announce the Truman Heartland Community Foundation 2024 Toast to Our Towns Gala Honorees: Humanitarian of the Year Doug and Helen Hatridge Doug and Helen are retired educators with a strong passion for community service. Helen was a member of the THCF Board and served as Board Chair in 2018. On the other hand, Doug was a member of the Jackson County Plan Commission. They both contributed their time and effort to various organizations, such as the Fort Osage Fire Protection District, Lee's Summit Parks and Recreation Board, and Independence Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, among others. They have each received numerous honors and recognitions, including the Longevity Award for Volunteers of Lee's Summit Parks & Recreation and the prestigious 2022 Legacy Award from Community Services League. Together, Helen and Doug continue to make a positive impact in their community, and their dedication to service will undoubtedly be their legacy. Corporate Citizen of the Year CommunityAmerica Credit Union CommunityAmerica is a financial institution that is dedicated to improving the lives of its customers, employees, and the community. They offer a wide range of financial products and services, and actively participate in various community service and corporate philanthropy projects. They support several local organizations such as Junior Achievement, Operation Breakthrough, and Boys and Girls Clubs, among others. In 2022, CommunityAmerica also launched its first Community Access Center, which continues to provide free access to tools and resources to people of all ages and backgrounds, enabling them to attain financial peace of mind. CommunityAmerica is a local company committed to helping people achieve their financial goals while making a significant impact in their communities. Heartland Service Award Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA) CAPA has been serving children in Eastern Jackson County and neighboring communities for nearly 50 years. The organization offers counseling services to both children and adults who have experienced child abuse, neglect, and other family traumas. Their home-visiting services focus on supporting new and expecting mothers, ensuring they possess the necessary tools and resources to nurture their children in a safe and healthy environment. CAPA also actively engages in prevention education, offering body safety classes for students and social-emotional learning initiatives for students, teachers, administrators, and parents. In addition, CAPA has been instrumental in providing mentorship to more than 200 counseling and social work interns from a dozen local colleges and universities, establishing itself as the most extensive program of its kind in the region. With its commitment to education and mentorship, CAPA has been honored with two Non-Profit of the Year awards, and its trajectory continues upward, expanding in funding, staff, and positive impact on the community. Dr. Paul M. Thomson Professional Advisor of the Year Craig Bolger Craig is a highly accomplished professional advisor with more than 20 years of experience serving families and businesses. He has helped countless clients invest their money wisely and achieve their financial goals. Craig understands his client's charitable goals and helps them see the value of partnering with their local community foundation. His work in philanthropy is highly deserving of recognition for his exceptional dedication and achievements. As a fifth-generation resident of Independence, Craig has deep roots in the community and remains actively involved in various organizations. Craig is an invaluable asset to his community, and his commitment to helping others meet their charitable goals is a testament to his character and professionalism. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to this year's Toast to Our Towns honorees. I look forward to raising a glass to their dedication, generosity, and commitment at the 29th Annual Toast to Our Towns Gala on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. Makes plans to join us and celebrate those working to make our communities better places to live, work, and serve. Sponsorships, tables, and tickets are currently available at www.thcf.org/gala. by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society As the Grain Valley Police Department prepares to move to their new facility on R. D. Mize Road, I stumbled across several articles in the Historical Society archives dated January, 1999; twenty-five years ago. The Examiner, January 5, 1999: “A Grain Valley citizen committee working on planning the new community center and City Hall met with Architect George D. Lafferty and Sub-contractor Ford N. Bohl of Bohl and Associates Monday to discuss development goals for the 9-acre tract of land south of Interstate 70.” The article went on to describe a municipal complex that would include a combination City Hall and police department and a community center with a gymnasium, banquet area and kitchen. They also decided to include a community pool in the $3.5 million budget for the project. According to further articles in The Examiner and The Pointe (Grain Valley’s local newspaper at that time) the population had nearly tripled, to 6000, since 1990. With the growing town, it was widely felt that these amenities were needed. On January 12, 1999 the Board of Aldermen authorized Mayor Connie Marin to contract with FS & I Architects Inc, to plan, design and build a Community Center and City Hall. Over the next few weeks, plans were solidified and on February 23, 1999, The Examiner, ran a story announcing the approval of the plans that would go to a vote of the people. Obviously, the voters said yes and by late fall, 1999, construction began. Fast forward 25-years and we find a population that has nearly tripled once again. (16,178 in 2022). It is no wonder that a new and separate Police Station is needed. The Open House and ribbon cutting for the new station will take place on May 8, 2024 at 4:00 PM. Come for the open house and be a part of Grain Valley history. Maybe someone will write about this event in another 25 years, but it is for sure it won’t be me!
by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Having never seen a plat plan for the Warren Addition to Grain Valley, I am making several assumptions regarding the exact location within the town. I believe it was a small addition that stretched from Charlotte Street west to E. E. Kirby Road and from Walnut Street north to Yennie. Some readers may recall from a very early article in The Valley News, Charlotte Street was named for Charlotte (Onsley) Warren, the wife of Elsworth Warren, William Durwood Warren’s younger brother. According to the 1920 U. S. Census, William Durwood Warren and his wife Madge had a home on Walnut Street. According to the Grain Valley Property Tax records they paid taxes on Lot 14 and 15 of the Warren Addition from 1920 through 1945, the only years for which I have records. And finally, I remember from my youth, the Warrens lived in this house on Walnut Street. In the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, several larger homes were built in “the west end of town.” They balanced the few larger homes along Broadway (Main Street) just north of downtown. W.D. Warren died in 1962. His wife continued to live in the home until lived there until her death in 1970 at age 87. Their daughter Deloris (Warren) Mollenkamp and her family lived next door (on the east side of Charlotte Street.) I don’t remember too much about the home after that time. I do remember Lona Bloss Wyatt lived there in the 1990. I know some remodeling was done during those years, mostly just painting, a new roof, front porch repair and shutters. Today, the house remains a stately older home on Walnut Street with over 100 years of history within the walls. The Warren House, circa 1920. Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society
Healthy eating can sometimes feel confusing and time-consuming – but it doesn’t have to. As a registered dietitian, I am all for incorporating super simple ways to instantly boost flavor and nutrition in your daily routine. Here are three healthy hacks to help make reaching your health goal even easier! First, if you struggle with those mid-day lulls or frequent cravings, it’s likely that you are not getting enough protein! Let’s add more protein to your diet with PB2 Powdered Nut Butters. Protein is essential to helping curb hunger, sustaining energy and reducing cravings. PB2 Powdered Nut Butters are a great, plant-based option to boost your protein. A single serving provides six grams of protein and is lower in fat when compared to traditional nut butters. To use this hack at home, mix PB2 with Chobani® with Zero Sugar Greek yogurt for a creamy, lower-sugar fruit dip; or blend it in your favorite smoothie, or even mix it into your morning oatmeal. Next, ask yourself: Am I staying hydrated throughout the day? Being properly hydrated is important to help with your energy levels and concentration. Signs of dehydration include frequent fatigue, poor digestion and brain fog. About 75% of Americans report feeling dehydrated frequently. This is where Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free can make a huge splash. Liquid I.V. is more hydrating than water alone and contains essential vitamins and minerals to support immunity and energy production. Plus, it is a great, sugar-free way to hydrate if you find plain water just too boring. Use Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free with your favorite sparkling water or mix it with water and add frozen fruit for some exciting (and hydrating) mocktails! Finally, rethink how you can use Greek yogurt. I recommend sticking to lower-sugar varieties, like Chobani® with Zero Sugar. Chobani® with Zero Sugar is a one-of-a-kind dairy product with zero sugar, 60 calories, lots of protein and no lactose. One cup of Greek yogurt gives you a whopping 17 grams of protein. Greek yogurt can also be extremely versatile and is more than just granola’s best friend. Try swapping Greek yogurt where a recipe traditionally calls for sour cream or mayo. You can also try this hack by mixing plain Chobani® Greek yogurt with ranch seasoning for a veggie dip or blending Chobani® with Zero Sugar with your favorite fruit and freeze for a creamy sweet treat. If you’re looking for a fun, new way to use Chobani® with Zero Sugar, try this Frozen Yogurt Bark recipe. Also be sure to grab Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free, PB2 and Chobani® yogurt during your next Hy-Vee run to help make healthy eating a snap. Frozen Yogurt Bark Serves 12 All you need: 1 (32-oz) Chobani® with Zero Sugar, vanilla flavor ½ cup Hy-Vee oats and honey granola ½ cup fresh blueberries 3 fresh kiwi, peeled and sliced ¼ cup Hy-Vee unsweetened coconut flakes, toasted All you do:
Recipe adapted from: https://www.hy-vee.com/recipes-ideas/recipes/frozen-yogurt-bark If you want more individualized guidance on reaching your health and wellness goals, reach out to a Hy-Vee dietitian today by visiting https://www.hy-vee.com/healthnew/dietitians. The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice. Frozen Yogurt Bark. Photo credit: Hy-Vee
by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society A few weeks ago I wrote about a house on Walnut Street in the Davis Place Addition. If you recall, Davis Place included 250 feet along the northern edge (walnut Street), 597 feet along the eastern edge (adjoining the Finnell addition), 267.5 feet along the southern edge adjacent to the railroad, and 670.5 feet along the western edge (farm land). Again, early tax records show the home on lot 10, Davis Place, was owned by Dennis & Martha Costigan from at least as early as 1920 until 1935. In 1936 and the succeeding year, the taxes were paid by Robert Costigan. In 1938 the taxes were paid by Oscar Heidelberger and in 1940 the taxes were paid by Ruth (Heidelberger) and Roy Brown. It was in this home that the Brown children were raised; next door to their Aunt Hazel (Kiff) and Tom Heidelberger and across the street from the grandmother, Margret (McAlexander) Heidelberger. The first photograph below is labeled “Feb. 1928.” It was later changed to “Jan.” Pictured are Dennis Costigan with his step-granddaughter, Nadine O’Connell with the caption, “Ready for Ireland.” Following her graduation from Grain Valley High School, Nadine did indeed travel to Ireland. The final photo below was taken recently; another home in Grain Valley to live on for over 100 years. It is good to know that these old homes have survived for over a century. It is also nice to drive around town and see that they are being well maintained and many are being remodeled and rehabilitated for the next hundred years! Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society
by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Along Walnut Street, Circa Early 1900s
According to the Grain Valley Property Tax book, in 1920, this house was owned by A. O Thieme. His land was described as “f .25/100 S. Beginning NW Corner Lot 6 Davis Place W. 80 feet S. 140 ft. #. 80 ft. N. 140 ft to beginning. It was listed as “Grain Valley Irregular,“ meaning it was not part of any platted addition. Also written in the tax book was the following information: Section 35, Township 49, Range 30. In 1920, Mr. Thieme paid $6.00 in taxes on this house, occupied by Mrs. Vermillion. By 1924, the house was owned by Mrs. Mary C. Banks and W. H. Gardner and the tax was only $4.50. The tax levy was 25-cents which I can only assume was on each $100 of assessed valuation. By 1933, still listed as “irregular,” the property must have been split as Mr. Gardner paid $4 on part of the property and Albert M White also paid $4 for his share. It remained that way for a few years. Mr. White ran a grocery store on the east side of Main Street. Fast forward to the 1940s and these two properties were owned by Aurlie Wylee and Charles R. Steele. Taxes on the house in the photograph were paid by Mr. Wylee. The last record I have for 1944 shows the property was still listed as” irregular” and the taxes of $3.30 were paid by Fred M. Roberts. Last week, while taking a walk on Walnut Street, I saw a former classmate, Mike Feagans. He and his wife are the current occupants of this cute old house. He told me his daughter had wondered why there were two front doors. Mike was able to tell her about “the parlor.” We didn’t discuss taxes, but I’m thinking they pay a bit more than $3.30! by Burton Kelso, The Tech Expert
If you're like me, you're probably always on the lookout for low-cost options when it comes to your streaming services. Traditional streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ are seeing skyrocketing price increases which are putting a strain on your budget. If you are looking to lower your streaming expenses you need to look at some of the free streaming services that are emerging as a popular option to replace subscription streaming services. Now there is a trade-off, instead of a monthly bill, you’ll have to endure advertisements. That’s how these free services make their money. If you're looking to find a good free streaming service for your family, check out these options. As of this writing, there is no one-size-fits-all replacement for live TV streaming services other than a digital antenna, but the right free service could help you stay entertained while keeping your wallet happy. There are a couple of dozen free streaming services on the web. Here are a few services I recommend: Pluto TV. Pluto TV is owned by Viacom and runs over 100 free channels. It runs on Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku and PlayStation. Apps are available for Apple and Android devices. Sony Crackle. Crackle is owned by Sony, so it has a lot of Sony original content, plus programs and movies from other companies. You can watch some of your favorite TV shows, original programming and movies. It can be connected to a large variety of platforms such as TVs, mobile devices, set-top boxes, gaming consoles, and online. Tubi. A long favorite of mine, Tubi streams more than 12,000 titles. You can Stream anywhere and the service includes content from a plethora of other sources for kids of all ages and content that’s not streamed anywhere else. Freevee (formerly IMDb TV). Freevee is owned by Amazon and contains a lot of content -backed by Amazon. It offers on-demand movies and TV shows, live-streaming channels, and a small collection of original content. Roku Channel. The Roku Channel is an app for watching movies and TV shows that is attached to popular Roku streaming devices. Roku streaming devices and televisions come preloaded with applications that include the Roku Channel, but you also can get access to the content through smartphones, tablets, and computers. Hopefully, this article will help point you in the right direction as far as streaming services. There are more free streaming services out there. If you have time, check out some of the other services out there to see if it will be worth your time. Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@burtonkelso.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. Need computer repair service near you? My company Integral offers the highest quality computer repair service nationwide. If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team. Our team of friendly tech experts organization can help you with any IT needs you might have. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829. |
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