Valley News: November 11, 2021

Vol. 4 No. 46 | November 11, 2021 | www.grainvalleynews.com

Good News: Trip the Light Fantastic bike ride on November 21st Your magical 4.5 mile bike ride through the hundreds of lighted, animated displays at Jackson County's Christmas in the Park begins on Sunday, November 21st from 6:00pm – 7:00pm at the Frank White, Jr., Softball Complex, continues along County Park Road and through Christmas in the Park.

For the safety of all, there will not be a pre-gathering area or announcements before the event. Riders may simply park in the Lee's Summit Community Center parking lot and make their way onto the course.

Adult cyclist ride at 6:00pm; families with children ride at 6:15pm. The route is dark and hilly, and may not be suitable for children under the age of 10.

FREE

Election filing begins December 7th for April 2022 municipal election During its November 8th board meeting, the Board of Aldermen approved an ordinance calling an election in the City of Grain Valley on April 5, 2022.

The first day for candidates to file for the general municipal election will be Tuesday, December 7th beginning at

8:00am and the last day for candidate filing will be Tuesday, December 28th at 5:00pm.

Candidates date and time of filing will be recorded and shall appear on the ballot in that order.

In addition to a potential bond issue for

see ELECTION on page 10

Ride your bike through Jackson County’s Christmas in the Park on Sunday, November 21st from 6:00pm— 7:00pm. Photo credit: Jackson County

Grain Valley ready for district final challenge against Raytown

by Michael Smith Grain Valley head football coach David Allie noted that it’s hard to beat a team twice.

That’s exactly what his team will have to do if they want to advance to the Class 5 quarterfinals for the second consecutive year as the Eagles will take on Raytown in the District 7 final at 7 p.m. Friday at Moody Murray Memorial Field.

“It’s going to be a war,” Allie said.

“Both teams are going to go after each other. We got them in the regular season, and they are going to have that in the back of their minds. This will be the fourth time we’ve played each other in two years. We are familiar with each other.”

Grain Valley comes into the contest with a 7-3 record as it dispatched of Sedalia Smith-Cotton 47-3 in the semifinals last week. The Blue Jays defeated Belton in the other semifinal 52-23 to set up the matchup.

The offense has been solid overall for the Eagles as they have averaged 24.9 points per game. Their defense has been the bread and butter of the team and has been a big part of the team’s successful season, holding opponents to just 17.3 points per game.

For Raytown, the offense has been explosive for the most part, averaging 34.3 points per game. Like Grain Valley,

its defense has also been very good, limiting opponents to 16.1 points per contest.

The Blue Jays second lowest point total of the season came against Grain Valley in a 21-14 loss at Moody Murray Memorial Field. In that one, Grain Valley held Raytown to just 219 yards of total offense and forced one turnover.

Quarterback Nate Whitebear leads the offense for Raytown. He is a mobile quarterback who can also throw the ball well. Against the Eagles, he completed 12 of 22 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown. He’s a dual threat that will make the Grain Valley defense have to account for him in the running game.

Running back Zhamari Gary has been really good for Raytown. Against Belton, he exploded for 300 yards on 24 carries and had five touchdowns. Against Grain Valley, he was limited to just 65 yards on 25 carries. He’s someone the Eagles will have to focus on stopping, but as well as they have played on that side of the ball this season, they seem more than capable.

“They are really good athletes and they are a run heavy team,” Grain Valley senior cornerback Tristin Pouncil said.

“We know how they like to play and we have a gameplan.”

Added Allie: “(Gary) is a dude. He runs the

see EAGLES on page 8

In This Edition: Business: Stay safe from holiday shopping scams

4

Your Health: Plants on your plate—cranberries

6

Sports: MDC shares info as deer season approaches

8

Cover Image: Flags flying at the Veterans memorial at Butterfly Trail park.

Photo credit: Valley News staff

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2 Police Blotter The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of October 27—November 2 , 2021.

October 27, 2021 700 Block of Main 200 Block of Hannah CT 100 Block of Sunny LN 700 Block of SW Harvest CIR Sni A Bar & Buckner Tarsney Sni A Bar & Crestview 700 Block of Main 700 Block of Main 1200 Block of Cotton Wood 1100 Block of Valley Ridge DR 100 Block of S Central Main & Walnut RD Mize 600 Block of S Main 100 Block of S Main October 28, 2021 100 Block of N Lee 100 Block of Cross Creek 1300 Block of Cherry 1700 Block of NW Helen CT 1200 Block of SW Eagle PKWY OOIDA 200 Block of E Broadway 200 Block of N Main

Grain Valley News is a free community paper, published weekly on Thursdays online at www.grainvalleynews.com and on the 1st and 3rd weeks of the month in print.

Cory Unrein | Co-Owner/Publisher John Unrein | Co-Owner/Production Manager Cathy Allie | Staff Writer, Proofreader John Overstreet | Contributing Photographer Michael Smith | Staff Writer, Sports Mail: PO Box 2972 Grain Valley MO 64029 Phone: 816.809.7984 Email: news@grainvalleynews.com

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Citizen Contact-Via Phone Suspicious Person Motor Vehicle Accident Welfare Check Motor Vehicle Accident Welfare Check Stealing From Auto Citizen Contact-Via Phone Civil Standby Alarm Agency Assist-BPD Parking Complaint Area Check Citizen Contact Area Check

1100 Block of NW RD Mize 400 Block of NW Woodbury 1400 Block of Eagle Ridge 400 Block of SW Laura LN 300 Block of Yennie 700 Block of Main 700 Block of Main 800 Block of Ryan RD 100 Block of Main

Agency Assist-BPD Agency Assist-CJC Prisoner Transport Welfare Check Motor Vehicle Accident Area Check Alarm Property Damage/ Stealing Unlawful Use of A Weapon Burglary Welfare Check Leaving the Scene Citizen Contact Citizen Contact-Via Phone Stealing Suspicious Person Alarm

October 29, 2021 40 HWY & OOIDA Cypress & AA 3900 Block of Rust RD 1200 Block of NW Pamela BLVD 800 Block of San Kar 800 Block of Woodland 200 Block of Cross Creek LN 1100 Block of McQuerry 31000 Block of Pink Hill Hoot Owl Estates 600 Block of Westview 1000 Block of Ryan RD RD Mize & Long 100 Block of Garden

Traffic Control Noise Complaint Burglary Noise Complaint Disturbance Noise Complaint Harassment Past Stealing From Auto Harassment Suspicious Vehicle Citizen Contact Civil Standby Traffic Control Recovered Stolen Auto

October 30, 2021 200 Block of Kim CT 1100 Block of Buckner Tarsney 700 Block of Main 800 Block of Hilltop LN 900 Block of Barr RD 1200 Block of Pamela BB & RD Mize Old 40 HWY 700 Block of Main Cross Creek & Clover

Trespassing Panhanders Citizen Contact-Via Phone Extra Patrol Req via Dispatch Animal Bite Alarm Agency Assist-JCSD Warrant Arrest Hit & Run Walk In Shooting at Vehicle

Main & I 70 1000 Block of Tarsney LN 800 Block of Woodland DR 1000 Block of Woodbury DR 800 Blcok of Woodland Rosewood & Persimmon 1300 Block of Foxtail 1200 Block of Scenic 2100 Block of Sycamore 1200 Block of NW Scenic 300 Block of Jefferson

Motor Vehicle Accident Agency Assist-BPD Property Damage Past Area Check Motor Vehicle Accident Suspicious Vehicle Verbal Disturbance Civil Standby Identity Theft Civil Standby Property Damage/ Stealing 800 Block of San Kar Stealing 400 Block of Coldwater Creek Stealing October 31, 2021 Front & Thieme BB & Duncan 200 Block of Jackie WB I 70 By Crain Vet 1300 Block of Stoneybrooke Valley Ridge & Woodbury 500 Block of Capelle 500 Block of Foot Hill 300 Block of W Walnut 1200 Block of Pavilion DR Yennie Ave 500 Block of Capelle ST 700 Block of SW Whitestone 700 Block of Main 1100 Block of Scenic 700 Block of Ginger Hill McQuerry & Main

Property Damage Motor Vehicle Accident Suspicious Activity Area Check Agency Assist-CJC Suspicious Activity Noise Complaint Suspicious Activity Parking Complaint Suspicious Activity Area Check Area Check Civil Matter Vehicle Release Alarm Fraud Citizen Contact

November 1, 2021 400 Block of SW Foot Hill DR 1200 Block of NW Pamela LN 100 Block of Sunny LN Main & 40 HWY 100 Block of E Harris 700 Block of Main 1700 Block of NW Hilltop DR Duncan & Buckner Tarsney 700 Block of Main

Physical Disturbance Stolen Vehicle Verbal Disturbance Motor Vehicle Accident Suspicious Party Citizen Contact-Via Phone Alarm Motor Vehicle Accident Citizen Contact

November 2, 2021 100 Block of NE McQuerry 1600 Block of NE Andeon 700 Block of Main 1400 Block of Sni A Bar Eagles & Sni A Bar 1100 Blk of N Buckner Tarsney 1000 Block of NW Willow 100 Block of SW 9th ST 700 Block of Main 100 Block of Armstrong DR 100 Block of Eagles 400 Block of SW Laura LN 1300 Block of Stoneybrooke DR

Suspicious Person Alarm Citizen Contact Suspicious Party Suspicious Person Welfare Check Parking Complaint Agency Assist-OGPD Walk In Stealing Dealer App Welfare Check Residence Check Property Damage

Additional calls: Suicidal subject: 3 Domestic violence: 1 Sexual offender checks: 12

Looking Back

3

Looking Back: Portrait at a glance, 1986

by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society While perusing old newspapers, I became interested in a collection of papers intitled “Guide to Grain Valley.”

These guides were published by The Examiner (Independence) for many years. The guides typically came out in August, just prior to Valley Fair Days.

I found these excerpts from the 1986 edition to reveal a great deal about Grain Valley’s growth and progress over the past 35 years. Laura Malt, a member of The Examiner staff compiled some interesting statistics. I hope you will agree!

“Grain Valley has a name in cattle and, of course, grain.

Taking its name from the Sni-A-Bar Creek Valley’s high grain yield, the town’s peculiarities distinguishes it from other communities along Interstate 70.

These details include:

POPULATION

The population was reported at 1,327 in the 1980 census. It is now (1986) estimated at 1,600 to 1,700.

RESIDENTS The 25 to 29 age bracket has the most people in it with about 9 percent of the population. About 17 percent of the population is between 22 and 29.

The next most-populous age brackets, 30 to 34 and 35-44, compose 13 percent of the population.

INCOME The median household income is $16,900. Median family income is $17,591.

The city’s aggregate (total) income is $8,172,445.

CLIMATE Grain Valley’s coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 31.7 degrees Fahrenheit. The hottest month is July, hitting an average of 88 degrees.

February, at 1.2 inches of rainfall is the

driest month; June, at 4.5 inches, the wettest.

The average rainfall per year is 19.5 inches.

TAXES The assessed value of city property is $2.8 million.

Basic property tax levy (per $100 assessed value) is as follows: City: $2.03 County: $ 0.94 School: $5.47 Other: $0.38 Total: $9.60 PUBLIC SCHOOLS The R-5 district received a AAA rating in 1985. About 850 students are enrolled from kindergarten to twelfth grade.

The district has three schools: Matthews Elementary (380 students), Grain Valley Middle School (190 students) and Grain Valley High School (280 students). The school also makes use of the Fort Osage Vocational School.

FACILITIES Motels: one Churches: six of varied Protestant denominations Public libraries: one Gasoline stations: two Café: one I might also note that doctors, dentists, recreational facilities, and communications were listed, but all were provided in surrounding communities. Needless to say, much has changed. While some may look back on our community with acute nostalgia, I like my local dentist, buying groceries less than a mile from home (in the 1950s and 1960s the land where Price Chopper is located was my family home and small farm), going to the movies and dining out in Grain Valley!

Business

4

Stay safe from Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday scams

by Burton Kelso, The Technology Expert It seems every year people spend more and more money during Black Friday and Cyber Monday for holiday gifts and donate to charities on Giving Tuesday. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing rules, many of you will be doing your purchases online.

Unfortunately, cybercriminals know this and will do their best to get access to your credit card swipes, your identity, and online transactions.

With the large amount of cybercrime and data breaches that have taken place this year, it’s more important than ever to make sure you are being vigilant and taking steps to protect yourself. Here are a few tips to keep you safe as you donate to your favorite charities and buy gifts for your friends and loved ones:

How to Protect Yourself on Black Friday.

A lot of the breaches that occur on Black Friday occur when you're shopping at brick and mortar stores from point-of -sale (PoS) systems. These breaches can occur when a criminal gets access to the PoS system by installing malware designed to collect your information. Hackers can also install malware in online shopping carts that send your banking information directly to them. This can be avoided if you use secured payment methods such as using cash when you're making in-store purchases. If you're like me and hate carrying around cash, or you prefer shopping online for Black Friday, regular and pre-paid credit cards are always the best option. Credit card companies offer better protection against fraud. Most banks do so as well, but if your debit card is compromised, it will take longer to get access to those stolen funds.

How to Protect Yourself on Cyber Monday.

When shopping online and searching the web for the hottest deals, your biggest threats are breached electronic shopping carts and compromised websites from online merchants. Make sure the websites you're visiting are secure with a URL that begins with "https" rather than "http. The added "s" means that the website is secure from breaches and your transactions will be safe from cybercriminals. Most browsers also include a padlock icon in front of the web address to show the site has a trusted security certificate.

Also, your web browser will notify you if it appears that a website is not

secure or dangerous. If you get this message, do not proceed. If you get messages about the latest deals from a retailer via email and text, go directly to the merchant's web site to verify that the deal is real and not a scam. To keep your personal information safe, set up an anonymous email account only to be used for shopping online. If you get emails or texts that claim there is a problem with your package, visit the merchant's website or call them to verify if there is an issue.

2. Use strong passwords. Passwords are the strongest thing for keeping your online accounts safe. Consider using passphrases for all of your online accounts. Passphrases like "stinkychicken437!" or "PurpleStrongOtter#*!" are easier for you to remember. Also, don't use the same passwords for all your online accounts.

Password managers like LastPass and the ones in your favorite browser can help you remember all of those different passwords.

How to Protect Yourself on Giving Tuesday.

Cybercriminals are aware that many charities collect payments online. With so many different organizations asking for money, it's hard to know which are legitimate and which ones are fake. You need to be wary of crowdfunded websites such as GoFundMe as many of the people who ask for donations from these sites are looking to scam people.

Before donating to a charitable cause, check out Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org) which will help you get information on over 8,000 charities. In most instances, it's best to donate directly from the charity's web site rather than relying on emails, phone calls, and text messages that are sent to you.

3. Use retailer and charity apps. If your favorite online retailer or charity has an app, download it and use it to ensure all of your transactions are safe and

secure.

Some other tips to remember: 1. Go to the source. 99% of cybercrime requires user interaction. Avoid clicking on links in email, social media, and texts. Some links will take Don’t click on ads on social media or even in texts or emails.

I'm not trying to be a Grinch when it comes to your holiday shopping plans. I just want to make sure all of you enjoy this season of light and remind you to be vigilant and aware of the assortment of ways criminals will try to take advantage of your trust and kindness.

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.

Need computer or technology help? 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 at Integral. 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.

Community Voices

5

Musings from the Middle: I’m Woke—well, at least awake...

by Cathy Allie I am no stranger to Insomnia. I capitalize and personify the word because when you are in the midst of it, he deserves a title, a real name. And Insomnia must be a He, because a She would know that the good women of the world should be sleeping rather than wandering aimlessly through the night, so that we can wake up the next morning and continue our plan for world domination.

I have read articles about him, talked about him to doctors at annual appointments, and empathized with other sleepy women friends who have also become involved with him. Cut caffeine, stop using electronics by 8:00 p.m., drink a warm beverage an hour before bed time, wear comfortable, loose clothing to bed and one million other suggestions are all ones I have tried and rejected to stop his madness.

And yet, he persists.

Over the years I have taken advantage of Insomnia to finish projects, to decorate Christmas trees (or sometimes the whole house), to organize drawers, and even to clean my pantry. During periods of sleeplessness, I have had some of my best ideas, that I am of course much too tired to execute the next day.

Those of you on this crazy Insomnia train with me know that an occasional bout is manageable, but weeks of sleeplessness nights results in people suggesting miracle creams for the circles under your eyes, believing you have a terminal illness, asking you to repeat yourself when you have answered them with some unintelligible mutterings, and shaking their heads in disbelief when you doze in church or a meeting. It isn’t pretty.

Age and an incredibly busy schedule that just wear me out have squelched most of my relationship with Mr. Insomnia, and I haven’t been in too much hand to hand combat with him the last few months. Until Friday. And his frontal attack was a doozy.

Sometime between near 1:00 a.m., I was awakened by winds and howling coyotes. I don’t want to brag about my prowess as an outdoorswoman, but my grandparents had a farm, and I know what coyotes sound like. I felt like I was in an episode of Little House on the Prairie…except I live in the ‘burbs, so I spent about an hour ruminating about how to secure my nine pound lap dog from predators instead of sitting with Pa Ingalls by the fireplace with a shotgun across his lap.

2:00 to 2:20 I spent calculating how much sleep I could still get. Math is not my forte, so this 15 minutes was necessary. Oops, I mean 20 minutes.

See? No math.

2:20 to 2:30, Betty the Bladder woke up and needed to potty. No, it didn’t take that long to tinkle, but I had to go get toilet paper that literally no one else in my house can remember to replace.

Said toilet paper wass in garage, which is all the way downstairs, because why would anyone store it under sinks or in convenient places for early a.m. runs?

Garages are dark and cold in the wee hours.

2:30 to 2:45 I spent trying to silently open drawers so as not to wake my husband, looking to find fuzzy socks because my feet were cold from the garage floor. As a side note, I found a treasure trove of scarves and headbands I had been looking for and some saxophone reeds. Go figure.

2:45 to 3:00, I laid awake listening to my husband’s rhythmic breathing as he slumbered peacefully, unaware of my troubles, as if he was, I am sure he would have offered comfort. The last sentence is the Good Housekeeping version. In reality, he had rolled to his back during my bathroom break absence and was making that 700 car long freight train sound that I know from experience would keep me from sleeping at all the remainder of the night. I headed to the couch.

By 3:00 the tiny, edible dog had now taken an interest in my night time wandering, and had decided to accompany me to the couch. He believed it was morning and thus scratched at the door and whined until I let him out.

Fully aware of the coyote infestation, I decided to somehow arm myself before heading out. Weapon of choice?

One of my daughter’s shoes that she had left by the front door.

I figured the worst case scenario was I would throw it at the attacking coyote, and he would make off with it instead of my baby dog, and at the same time my kid would learn a lesson about not leaving her stuff laying around.

I put on a winter coat from the closet and pulled up the hood. No telling who else would be out at this hour and my hair was a mess, as I had left the head bands (and the reeds) upstairs…turns out someone was out, walking briskly past the house in a vest with lots of reflective tape, at a crazy fast pace, and sporting an annoyingly cheery attitude.

“Hello,” she said, like this was a normal time. Who are these people who take exercise so seriously?

3:3O to 3:45 and back inside the house, I had decided I was too cold to take off the coat, so I stretched out on the couch, in a full blown Nanook of the North parka, with my ‘marked safe from

coyotes dog’ still taking up more than his fair share of space, ruminating about that early morning walker.

Seriously!?! Is her husband also blissfully slumbering, and she has just decided she might as well use the time to exercise if she is awake? What should I be doing? Immediately dismissing any kind of exercise, I wondered if this was finally the time to download the Calm App? Sleepy Time stories? Brew chamomile tea? What is chamomile, anyway?

I spent from 3:45 to 4:30 in a beautiful mixture of watching Internet pedicure transformation videos and dozing.

At 4:30, I was awakened by what sounded like a motorcycle backfiring and low murmuring voices that sounded too near to the house. I crept to the window to look out. It didn’t just sound like a motorcycle backfiring and voices… the neighbors across the street were actually full-blown-garage-door-uptrouble-lights-blazing-wrenches-inhand working on a motorcycle and talking about the weekend. Guessing they are the same ones who mow at 6:00 a.m. on summer Saturday mornings.

I headed back out on the couch and wondered if my home owners association, which governs lots of things and won’t let me put up a She Shed in my backyard, has any noise ordinance or covenants that I could invoke or if my annual dues cover legal counsel for when I bop across the street and hit the offenders with my daughter’s shoe.

It was by then nearly 5:30 a.m. Where did that last hour go, inquiring minds want to know? Well, it took a while to type this out, and I had to do a little research on coyotes. They are awful animals, really, but we have been destroying their natural environment, so they have taken to nabbing suburban dogs.

Don’t they know they won’t enjoy the gamey taste of a squirrel or small deer when they abscond with a city pup for a midnight snack? Suburban canines are just full of peanut butter Dream Bones and refrigerated entrees.

I say all this to say, I am back to dating Mr. Insomnia. The pattern induced by a coyote’s howl is now five days old. My pantry is clean, I have installed heated garage floors, and I ordered a reflective vest in case I ever decide to join Edna the Early Morning Exerciser, Mr. Insomnia’s mistress, on a walk.

Oh, I promise, I am ending it with him. And when I do, please, no one contact me before 2022. I will be napping in a sound proof room.

Cathy is a retired public school English teacher and Public Information Officer.

Your Health

6 Plants on your plate: Cranberries

by Denise Sullivan, Nutrition & Health Education Specialist, MU Extension-Jackson County What tiny red fruit makes an appearance around the holiday but is mostly absent the rest of the year? If you guessed cranberries, you are correct! This tart but tasty fruit often appears in the form of a quivering gelled mass or chopped into a salad with apples or oranges, but they are much more versatile than most people think.

Native Americans enjoyed wild cranberries for thousands of years before colonization. The first documented reference to the American cranberry was in the mid 1500’s, when the Wampanoag People introduced the red berry to colonists in New England as a food source and as a dye. A common mixture called pemmican, made of ground berries, dried meat, and animal fat, could provide nourishment for months. Medicine men also used cranberries in traditional healing rituals to fight fever, swelling, and even seasickness. In the 1600’s, early cookbooks had numerous references to a sauce made from cranberries and served with turkey, much like we do today!

The cranberry (genus Vaccinium) belongs to the Ericaceae family of flowering plants. Cranberries are botanically related to bilberries, blueberries, and huckleberries, though differ by their woody stems. This lowgrowing, woody perennial shrub grows horizontal runners along the soil surface to form a dense mat. Contrary to popular belief, cranberries do not grow in water, but in sandy bogs and marshes that are flooded with water to aid in harvesting.

Because the cranberry contains a pocket of air, when the marsh is flooded, the berries float to the surface to be

picked up by harvesting equipment.

Cranberries were first cultivated in the New England region in the 1800’s and continues to be a staple crop in Maine and Massachusetts. However, Wisconsin has surpassed that region and produces more than 60% of the nation’s cranberries. They have even been designated the state fruit of Wisconsin.

Cranberries are a rich source of antioxidants vitamins C, E, and vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting, as well as the minerals manganese and copper. Cranberries are also rich in a type of phytonutrient called polyphenols, which are beneficial in controlling inflammation and free radicals in the body that contribute to chronic health conditions.

Consuming cranberry juice is often associated with urinary tract infections, because of another phytonutrient, Atype proanthocyanidins (PAC’s). PAC’s have been shown to be beneficial to the prevention (not treatment) of urinary tract infections by inhibiting the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract.

Consuming more isn’t better, however, because cranberries are also high in oxalates, a contributor to kidney stones.

Always consult your health care provider if experiencing symptoms of these conditions.

Cranberries are readily available during the fall and winter holiday season, but rather scarce the rest of the year, so I like to buy an extra bag or two to store in the freezer. Cranberry juice is usually sweetened or mixed with other fruits in juices. 100 percent cranberry juice is available as well…but be prepared to pucker up! I often add a bit of cranberry juice to iced tea or even water as a flavor enhancer. Dried cranberries are also available in various

Stuffing with Cranberries and Sausage

(makes 8 servings) 10 cups whole grain bread cubes ½ pound bulk pork sausage 1-2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 cup chopped celery 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup dried cranberries ½ cup chopped fresh parsley (you really want fresh parsley here) 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage (or 1-2 teaspoons dried sage) ¼ teaspoon black pepper 2 cups low sodium vegetable broth 1 large egg, beaten Wash hands and work surfaces before beginning preparation.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray a 13x9 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread bread cubes on a large sheet pan and bake until lightly toasted. Transfer bread to large bowl.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium high heat until browned, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. With a slotted spoon, transfer sausage to bowl with bread. Discard all but 2 tablespoons of drippings from skillet.

Add butter to reserved drippings in skillet and melt. Add celery and onions and cook over medium heat, until softened, about 8 minutes. Add to bowl with bread and sausage, mix.

Add cranberries, parsley sage and pepper to bowl and stir to combine.

Combine broth and egg and mix; pour over mixture in bowl and mix well.

Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Cover with foil that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for 45 minutes, then remove foil and bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

Nutrition information: Calories: 290, Total Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 6.5g, Sodium: 475mg, Carbohydrates: 23g, Fiber: 6g, Protein: 11g Recipe from personal files, analyzed by verywellfit.com stages of sweetness and make a tasty addition to quick breads, salads, or other holiday dishes.

This month I’m sharing two unique ways to incorporate cranberries into your holiday meals. The stuffing recipe below is one that my daughter shared with me, that we have refined and personalized to our tastes. If you are

feeling really adventurous, you might also try the cranberry salsa recipe from the National Center for Home Food Preservation (link below). Your leftover turkey sandwich will taste amazing… enjoy! https://nchfp.uga.edu/how/ can_salsa/spicy_cranberry_salsa.html

Making pregnancy and childbirth safer in America (StatePoint) It surprises a lot of people to learn that the United States is the most dangerous place to give birth in the developed world. Women in the United States are more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than women in Libya and Kazakhstan, and the United States is the only industrialized nation to experience an increase in maternal mortality over the last two decades.

Pregnancy is especially dangerous for women of color. Black women in the United States lose their lives in childbirth

at three to four times the rate of white women.

But there is good news. Experts say we can reduce deaths among moms and babies by improving health policies and changing the way care is delivered.

MomsRising, an online and on-theground organization working to improve the health and economic security of moms and families, is urging federal and state lawmakers to invest in research into the reasons pregnancy and childbirth are so dangerous in the United States.

The group is pressing to improve prenatal care, better train doctors and nurses, diversify the perinatal health care workforce, make it easier for working moms to breastfeed, improve mental health care for pregnant women and new moms, ensure that pregnant women on Medicaid can keep their health insurance for a year after giving birth, and guarantee paid leave. Right now, one in four women go back to work just two weeks after giving birth because they can’t afford to take any additional unpaid time off to recover

from childbirth and care for their infant.

“The early weeks of a baby’s life are critical for families. Insufficient paid leave for moms and dads is harmful for the health and well-being of both babies and parents,” says Tina Sherman, MomsRising’s senior campaign director for maternal justice. “Families need that time to bond, moms need it to heal from birth and establish breastfeeding routines, and it’s crucial for infant development.”

Learn more at www.momsrising.org.

Home & Garden

7

Pumpkins, winter squash, sweet potatoes—all can make pies!

by Cathy Bylinowski, Horticulture Instructor, MU Extension- Jackson County, MO Pies! What a great way to enjoy the harvest from your own garden or to use these readily available fall vegetables from your local farmers markets and grocery stores.

Pie pumpkin - Cucurbita pepo Pie pumpkins are cultivated varieties of pumpkins that have been selected for human consumption. Pumpkin and squash have been part of humans’ diets for thousands of years. Native Americans grew, preserved, and ate a variety of pumpkins and squashes, for thousands of years before the arrival of European colonists.

Early colonists adopted the use of pumpkins and squashes for a wide range of dishes including the pie and for soups, casseroles, breads, muffins, and more.

The orange color of pumpkin tells us that it is full of an important antioxidant called beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body.

Current research indicates that a diet rich in foods containing beta-carotene may reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer and offers protect against heart disease.

One cup of cooked pumpkin also contains fiber, calcium, potassium, and vitamin C and E. Butternut Winter Squash Cucurbita moschata 'Butternut' – Yes, butternut squash can be used to make pie! Perhaps you already prepare and serve it in soup or casserole recipes.

Try using it to make pie. Its flavor will be subtly different than pumpkin or sweet potato pie. The texture and color will be slightly different, too. Like pumpkin, butternut squash is very nutritious.

A one-cup of cooked butternut squash provides more than 450% of the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) for

vitamin A and over 50% of the RDI for vitamin C. Sweet potatoes Ipomoea batatasIf you haven’t harvested your sweet potatoes yet, dig them up before a freeze. Store the tubers in a warm, humid place for four to six days to increase sugar content. Sweet potatoes can be used right from the garden, but they might not taste as sweet as those you purchase from grocery stores or farmers markets.

Here’s a link to a MU Extension horticulture publication on growing sweet potatoes. It is geared to small and commercial producers, but it still has a great deal of helpful informationhttps://extension.missouri.edu/ publications/g6368 Enjoy pumpkin pie this November or try substituting cooked sweet potatoes or cooked butternut squash in this basic pumpkin pie recipe for a different yet equally tasty pie experience: Light Pumpkin Pie Recipe Rinse pie pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash, whichever you decide to use, under running water. Scrub with a vegetable brush or a clean sponge to make sure soil and other contaminants are cleaned off the skin. Peel and cook at least enough for the recipe below.

(Canned pumpkin and sweet potatoes can be used, too. Make sure that you use unsweetened canned pumpkin or sweet potatoes since the recipe below includes sugar. Occasionally canned or frozen butternut squash can be found in the grocery store, too.)

Ingredients: One pie crust, uncooked ⅛ teaspoon cloves 2/3 cup sugar 2 cups of cooked and mashed pumpkin,

Sweet Potatoes from the fall garden, photo by Cathy Bylinowski, Horticulture Instructor, MU Extension. Photo credit: CathyBylinowski sweet potatoes, or butternut squash ½ teaspoon cinnamon 13 oz. can evaporated skim milk ½ teaspoon ginger 3 egg whites ½ teaspoon nutmeg Directions: 1. Wash hands and clean working surfaces.

2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 3. Place pie crust dough in pie pan and crimp edges.

4. Mix all remaining ingredients in large mixing bowl. Pour into pie crust.

5. Bake 55 to 60 minutes until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool before serving and refrigerate any leftovers.

Here’s the link to the webpage for the original recipe and to more great recipes- https://

5 tips to prep your home for holiday guests (StatePoint) Cooler temperatures, outings to the Christmas tree farm, game nights and holiday feasts. Now that the holiday season is here, it’s time to prep your home for seasonal fun!

Whether you’re hosting a big or small group of family and friends this holiday season, decorating and decluttering around the house can make party prep easier and more enjoyable for everyone.

With that in mind, here are some top tips to create functional and stylish spaces that are easy to keep clean and tidy throughout the festivities.

Delightful décor. Make any room feel warm and welcoming with EasyLiner Removable Adhesive Shelf Liner by Duck Brand. Decorating with laminate is an affordable way to add pops of color to a kitchen backsplash, reading nook or old side table. Choose a print that matches your style and easily stick the laminate to smooth, flat surfaces for a fresh new look that will wow your guests.

Mudroom without messy floors.

Preparing an area near your entryway for bags and shoes is a must when expecting visitors. If you have a bench with storage, add machine-washable liner to the cubby to keep shelves clean and dry. Placing liner by the entrance of your home will also offer extra space to store muddy or wet shoes and stop salt and snow from tracking in the house.

When guests leave, toss the liner in the wash and reuse.

Spotless spaces for kids. All holiday gatherings need a space for kids to have fun and play together. While setting up for arts and crafts, line the table with a clear, textured liner to prevent crayons, markers or glue from damaging surfaces. When it’s time to clean up, simply wipe the liner or toss it in the dishwasher.

Get your guest room ready. If you have family staying overnight, it’s time to get your guest room in shape. Dress

up drawers and closet shelves with Smooth Top EasyLiner. The grip bottom will keep the liner and items in place.

Trendy patterns will elevate your home décor and guests will appreciate how clean and homey the space feels during their stay.

Bathroom basics. Once you’re done prepping the guest room, don’t forget about the guest bathroom. Keep styling stations and the bath clean and tidy with shelf liner and a bath mat. Duck Brand offers a variety of cushioned, machine-washable bath and shower mats for extra comfort and safety. The Clorox mat is also designed to prevent the growth of mold and mildew on the mat.

Making these small updates around the house now will keep your mostused spaces clean and tidy to ensure family and friends are comfortable and happy over the holidays.

extension.missouri.edu/publications/ nc146 Interested in growing butternut squash, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes next year? Consult the Vegetable Planting Calendar (https:// extension.missouri.edu/publications/ g6201) and Master Gardener Core Manual Chapter 5( https:// extension.missouri.edu/mg5) for more information. Fall and winter is a great time to start planning your 2022 garden!

Sports

6

MDC shares key deer hunter information for upcoming firearms season

by Joe Jerek, MDC With the most popular weekend for most Missouri deer hunters coming up Nov. 13 and 14, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) says deer numbers look good and reminds hunters of key regulations.

The second weekend in November marks the opening of this year’s November portion of the firearms deer season, which runs Nov. 13-23. According to MDC, the opening weekend of the November portion of firearms deer season is the most popular two days for most deer hunters in Missouri. Hunters typically harvest between a quarter to a third of the state’s total annual deer harvest during those two days. Hunters harvested a total of 297,214 deer during the 2020-21 deer season. Of that total, 80,744 were taken during opening weekend of the November portion, about 27 percent of the total harvest.

According to MDC, this season’s harvest should be higher than average due to increasing deer numbers across most of the state coupled with increased firearms antlerless permit availability in a number of counties and an extension of the antlerless portion.

“The deer population is increasing throughout much of the state,” said MDC Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle. “Deer numbers have been slowly increasing in southern Missouri for many years due to conservative harvest regulations. Populations in most of central and northern Missouri have rebounded from the severe

hemorrhagic disease (HD) outbreak that occurred in 2012. In most counties, deer numbers are at desired levels and our surveys indicate that most hunters are satisfied with the numbers of deer they are seeing. An exception would be in far northwestern Missouri where the HD outbreak of 2012 coupled with habitat loss has resulted in populations being below desired levels in some counties.”

HD is a relatively common viral disease of deer that is transmitted by biting midge flies. During most years, MDC receives at least some reports of HD. This year, HD reports were not particularly numerous. However, 2012 was a particularly severe outbreak with more than 10,000 suspected HD cases reported in Missouri. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/wildlife/wildlifediseases/hemorrhagic-disease.

Following the severe HD outbreak of 2012, MDC reduced the number of firearms antlerless permits in many counties and reduced the length of the antlerless portion of firearms deer season.

As deer numbers have since rebounded, MDC has increased antlerless -deer-harvest opportunities, including increasing firearms antlerless permits.

The antlerless portion of firearms deer season has also been extended from three to nine days this year.

Isabelle explained that managing deer populations is a balancing act.

“We strive to manage the population so that we have enough deer that

hunters and wildlife viewers are satisfied, but not so many as to create unsafe driving conditions or overburden farmers,” he said. “Each year, we evaluate the status of the deer population in each county and determine the optimal regulations based on both the population trend and where deer numbers are in relation to levels that are acceptable to our stakeholders.”

He noted the deer harvest total during the early youth portion of firearms season, Oct. 30-31, was similar to last year and about average for the past five years.

He added that a warmer start to the season has resulted in this year’s archery season harvest total running behind last year’s total at this time.

“During the early part of last year’s archery season, we had some unseasonably cool temperatures that resulted in great hunting conditions,” Isabelle said. “The warmer temperatures we had to start the season this year have suppressed harvest a bit compared to last year.”

Isabelle also reminded hunters that sampling for chronic wasting disease (CWD) will be required this year for hunters who harvest deer in any of the 34 counties of the CWD Management Zone on opening weekend of the November portion of firearms deer season. During mandatory sampling, harvested deer (or the head) must be taken to an MDC CWD mandatory

sampling station on the day of harvest.

He added that four counties were added to the CWD Management Zone this year: Camden, Laclede, McDonald, and Pulaski.

Isabelle reminded hunters and landowners that providing grain, minerals, and other consumable products used to attract deer is prohibited year-round within all counties of the MDC CWD Management Zone.

Isabelle also reminded hunters that deer harvested within the CWD Management Zone must be reported through the Telecheck Harvest Reporting System before leaving the county of harvest.

Missouri’s archery deer and turkey season continues through Nov. 12 and resumes Nov. 24 through Jan. 15, 2022.

The November portion of firearms deer season runs Nov. 13-23 followed by the late youth portion Nov. 26-28. The antlerless portion of firearms deer season runs Dec. 4-12 followed by the alternative methods portion Dec. 25 through Jan. 4, 2022.

Learn more about deer hunting in Missouri online at mdc.mo.gov/huntingtrapping/species/deer.

Get more information on deer hunting and CWD from MDC’s 2021 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where hunting permits are sold and online at short.mdc.mo.gov/Zyy.

every play.”

“Their secondary is really solid and their linemen are good, too. They are physical and they don’t have very many weak spots. We have to play physically and fast.”

“The Blue Jays have some size up front,” Allie said. That will present a challenge for an Eagles offensive line that has been hampered by injuries for most of the season.

“Our offense has been consistent, especially more recently,” Allie said.

“We’ve been able to sustain drives and keep our defense off the field. Our

offensive line has had some challenges with some injuries. The coaching staff has done a good job getting those kids in the right position. We haven’t had our starting offensive line four the last four to five weeks.”

The winner of the district will advance to the quarterfinals to play the winner of Fort Osage and Platte County.

“Those are two teams that we have a lot of history with,” Allie said. “Playing either one of those teams would be great. We have to take care of business Friday.”

EAGLES continued from page 1 ball hard and he’s fast. He’s a physical kid and he can get you with his speed.

We have to stop the run and that will be a monumental task to stop (Gary and Whitebear).”

Pouncil has been a key player for Grain Valley and likes taking on the challenge of covering the other team’s best receiver. On Friday, he will match up often with Raytown’s No. 1 receiver Jordyn Robinson.

“I personally love matchups like that,” Pouncil said. “I like going against the best receiver. I just want to prove I am better than you. I have to let my game

talk.”

On offense, Allie said it will be important to get the run game going, which is led by quarterback Caleb Larson, who has thrived in running runpass option plays. Raytown is a team with a lot of speed on defense, so running downhill will be pivotal for the Eagles.

“Raytown is very quick laterally, so we won’t have many opportunities to move east to west,” Grain Valley sophomore wide receiver Anthony Greco said. “We have to get vertical almost

Sports

7

Pouncil shines on special teams in 47-3 rout of Smith-Cotton

by Michael Smith Tristin Pouncil said he wanted to prove some doubters wrong before Friday’s Class 5 District 7 matchup with Sedalia Smith-Cotton.

It didn’t take him long to do just that.

He returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown and also recovered a muffed punt return by the Tigers as the Eagles rolled to a 47-3 victory.

“I wanted to prove everyone wrong. I had doubters before the game,” Pouncil said. “I just wanted to prove myself and give it 100 percent.”

“I caught it and I knew my guys were going to block for me. I believed in every single one of them and knew they were going to block their assignments.”

He led a special teams unit that came up huge for the Eagles.

“Tristin has been returning the ball for us a little bit,” Grain Valley head coach David Allie said. “He showed what he could do. That was almost a 100-yard return. Logan Pratt is our fastest guys but Tristin is pretty close. He’s been a big special teams contributor to us.”

Later in the second period, when Grain Valley was up 13-0 following a 4yard touchdown run from running back Jaxon Wyatt, Baker and Camden Nelson tackled the Tigers’ punter after he bobbled the snap at the 3-yard line.

Larson punched it in from there on a run. And Pouncil recovered a muffed punt at the Tigers 37 with 7:56 left in the first half. Larson later scored on a 35yard on an option play, taking advantage of the short field Pouncil helped create.

“Coach (Dominic Giangrosso) talked about how it was going to be up to the special team tonight,” Allie said. “They came out and set the tone and kept the tone for us.”

“Coach G does a great job of motivating our special teams guys. He gives those guys dog tags for if you are on a special team or are on six or more, you get a gold one.”

Not only did the Eagles special teams stand out, so did a defense that was missing three starters, including the teams leading tackler in senior Gage Forkner, who was out with a hand injury.

The Eagles gave up a 37-yard field goal

to Smith-Cotton kicker Sam Cash.

Other than that, the Grain Valley defense was lights out, holding the Tigers to only 137 yards total.

Sophomore linebacker Brody Baker shifted from outside linebacker to inside in place of Forkner and had a standout game with 13 tackles. Defensive end Rhylan Alcanter led with two sacks and junior linebacker Cole Elliott had a teamhigh two tackles for loss.

“We have been through adversity all season and have had injuries all season,” Alcanter said. “Honestly, we just practiced our butts off all week. Our coaching has done a good job getting us where we are at.”

Alcanter is someone who has gotten consistent pressure on the opposing quarterback all season and someone Grain Valley head coach David Allie has high expectations for.

“He’s really growing and getting into his own,” Allie said. “He’s going to be a special player for us. He’s got a huge upside.”

The defense also took advantage of Smith-Cotton going for it on fourth down a lot. The Tigers converted only two of their 11 fourth down attempts.

The Eagles had three drives that started inside the Tigers 40 yards line.

Those possessions resulted in a 39-yard scoring strike from junior quarterback Larson to senior wide receiver Logan Pratt, a 16-yard TD pass from Larson to sophomore Anthony Greco and a 1-yard TD run by Christian Lanear.

“It caught us off guard a little bit," Alcanter said of Smith-Cotton going for it on fourth down 11 times. “The coaches kept on calling the right calls and we just did our thing.”

The Eagles now turn their attention to Suburban White Conference rival Raytown, which defeated Belton 50-23 in the other semifinal game. The two teams met each other earlier in the season and Grain Valley prevailed in that one 21-14.

“It’s going to be in our house, which we feel good about,” Allie said. “It’s hard to beat a good team twice. They are going to be loaded and ready to go.”

Senior Tristin Pouncil returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown and also recovered a muffed punt return by the Tigers as the Eagles rolled to a 47-3 victory. Photo credit: John Overstreet

Photo credit: John Overstreet

Roos gain three Eagle softball standouts Grain Valley senior softball standouts Avery Huffman, Lauren Parker, and BriLeigh Sims signed commitments on November 10th to play softball at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

ELECTION continued from page 1 a proposed police building, residents will vote for Mayor, and aldermen positions in each of the City’s three wards.

Mayor Chuck Johnston stated he planned to run for re-election, highlighting the work completed during his first term and goals for another term.

“I look forward to continuing the street improvements we have already completed. We have made great strides in the year and a half I have been in office and I don't want to see a step backwards in the future,” Johnston said.

“I also look forward for plans to build a new Police Station and renovate the current City Hall. We have continued our commercial growth and I want to continue our efforts going forward.”

Former mayor Michael Todd stated he has not ruled out a run for another term.

In Ward I, Jayci Stratton’s term expires in April 2022. Stratton stated she is undecided at this point regarding her plans to run for another term. In Ward II, Rick Knox stated he planned to run again.

“I would like to see the new police station through,” Knox said.

In Ward III, Bob Headley’s term expires in April. Headley did not reply to a request for comment regarding his plans by deadline.

The next regularly scheduled board meeting will be held November 22nd at 7:00pm at City Hall.

Community Calendar November 11, 2021

November 25, 2021

Veterans Day—City Offices Closed

Turkey Tracks 5K & Kids Run A fundraiser for Grain Valley High School Cross Country team 9:00am Grain Valley High School www.runsignup.com

November 22, 2021 Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall

November 24-26, 2021 No school—Grain Valley Schools

Add your community event free online at www.grainvalleynews.com.

November 25-26, 2021 City offices closed 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall

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