May 23, 2019
Valley News www.grainvalleynews.com
Animal Safety, Peace Among Neighbors Are Central Roles For Animal Control Officer Heading up efforts to keep the City’s animals safe and neighbors at peace is Animal Control Officer Ken Tuttle. Tuttle previously held the role of animal control officer for the City and has recently returned to the role.
Valley News recently sat down with Tuttle and Grain Valley Police Department Captain Scott Hedger, supervising officer over animal control, to learn more about their work in the community. One of the most well known duties of
see ANIMAL CONTROL on page 6
Authorities Remind Drivers To ‘Turn Around, Don’t Drown’
Flooding on Duncan Road in Grain Valley resulted in a FedEx truck and a family in a mini--van requesting assistance from authorities on May 21st. Jackson County Sheriff’ mini Sheriff’s Office deputies and Central Jackson County Fire Protection District firefighters answered the calls for help, assisting the truck driver and family to dry ground. don’’t drown drown”.”. Authorities are reminding drivers to “turn around, don Missouri Governor Mike Parson declared a state of emergency May 21st following flooding throughout the state. Rain is forecasted to continue throughout the Memorial Day weekend. Sheriff’’s Office Photo credit: Jackson County Sheriff
Vol. 2, No. 21
FREE
Good News
Slydawgs Head To Cooperstown The Slydawgs 12U baseball team will be traveling to Cooperstown, New York, June 21-28, 2019. Ernie Cota, Head Coach, and coaches John Gorham, Aron Bunting, Jason Stump, and Spencer Albin will drive the team by bus to play at Cooperstown. The team has been together since the 2012-13 season. Three of the original members still play on the team. Team parent Corrie Wolff explained the trip has been a long-time goal of the team. “It has been a dream of the team to play in one of the most respected and sought-after baseball experiences in the nation. They had talked about it for years
aiming to get there when they turned 12U which is the only age group that plays Cooperstown. We hope that this experience will give them memories that will last a lifetime and continue to grow the bond they have as teammates and friends,” Wolff said. The team has been actively fundraising, hosting pizza sales, gift card raffles, and other efforts, and welcomes any form of sponsorship, which could include monetary donations to offset some of the costs, or donations of snacks, drinks, and supplies for the road trip.
Pictured back row to front row, left to right: Zachary Cota, Cayton Stump, Garrett Madden, Mitchell Nipper, Ryan Rohr, Adin Bunting, Lukas Wolff, Logan Arp, Jack Miller, Jackson Madden, Hayden Albin, Tre Gorham. Photo credit: Corrie Wolff
Local News
Page 2
Jackson County Food
Establishment Report Jackson County Public Works Environmental Health Division inspects all restaurants, grocery stores, schools, mobile food and temporary food establishments in the City of Grain Valley. The following violations were reported in the last 30 days: Price Chopper #325 -Kitchen /Deli/ Salad Bar, 1191 NE. McQuerry Rd. Cups being used as scoops in batter/ seasoning. Corrected. Open container of sanitizer in hand sink in kitchen. Corrected. Valley Pub & Patio 640 NW Yennie Stuck on food debris inside microwave in kitchen. Corrected. El Maguey Mexican Restaurant 102 Buckner Tarsney Ice scoop was laying in the ice with the handle touching the ice. Corrected on site. Boxes of food on the floor in the freezer. Corrected on site. Blade to the can opener had build-up
of dried food debris. Corrected on site. Knives hanging on the clean knife rack had dried food debris. Corrected on site. Lin's Kitchen 111 SW Eagles Parkway Wall behind the fryer had an accumulation of grease. Repeat. Vent filters above the grills have accumulation of grease. Repeat. Gaskets on the reach-in cooler have build-up of black residue. Boxes of food on the floor in the walkin freezer. Gap under the outer back door. El Tequilazo Cocina Y Cantina LLC 522 South Main One of the handwashing sinks in the kitchen does not have hot water, manager said it will be fixed on Friday. Ice bucket was stored upright. Corrected on site. Blade of the can opener has accumulation of food debris/residue. Corrected on site. Cutting board on the make table had scratching and stains.
Jackson County Parks + Rec Postpones Beach Opening
Police Blotter
The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of May 8-14, 2019. May 8, 2019 700 Block Ridgeview 700 Block Harvest Circle Eagles Parkway/Minter Road 100 Block Cross Creek 1200 Block Willow Drive Christie Lane 700 Block Main Street 600 Block SW Gateway 700 Block Main Street 1600 Block Eagles Ridge 500 Block Greystone
Agency Asssit (CJC) Disturbance Motor Vehicle Accident Disturbance Stealing Area Check Citizen Contact Area Check Fingerprinting Citizen Contact Citizen Contact
May 9, 2019 400 Block Eagles Parkway 600 Block Jefferson Sni-A-Bar/Cross Creek 1100 Block McQuerry 700 Block Main Street 1100 Block S BT Road 1600 Block Eagles Ridge 400 Block Orion 700 Block Main Street 500 Block Greystone
Alarm Burglary Vehicle Stuck Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Stealing Suspicious Vehicle Citizen Contact Warrant Confirmation Citizen Contact
May 10, 2019 1100 Block Pecan Drive Broadway/Broadway Terrace 1100 Block Ephraim 700 Block Main Street 700 Block Main Street 700 Block Main Street 1300 Block Willow 800 Block Harvest AA/Jackie Eagles/Royer 100 Block Eagles 1400 Blk NE Amanda Jeanne Way
Citizen Contact Abandoned Vehicle Check the Well Being Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Citizen Contact Check the Well Being Disturbance Area Check Motor Vehicle Accident Agency Asssit (EMS) Suspicious Vehicle
May 11, 2019 600 Block RD Mize 700 Block Greystone Drive I 70 EB from Blue Springs 800 Block Harvest
Alarm Citizen Contact Area Check Disturbance
Market Place Parking Lot 800 Block Ridgeview 700 Block Greystone Drive Sni-A-Bar/Eagles 900 Block Persimmon 1400 Block NE Jaclyn Rosewood/Persimmon Nicholas/Duncan Rd 1100 Block Buckner Tarsney Sni-A-Bar/Eagles Parkway
Citizen Contact Alarm Area Check Area Check Alarm Suspicious Person Area Check Security Check Check the Well Being Check the Well Being
May 12, 2019 1100 Block Pamela 40 Hwy/Sni-A-Bar Sni-A-Bar/AA Sni-A-Bar/Greystone 1500 Block Broadway
Alarm Runaway Juvenile Citizen Contact Area Check Property Damage
May 13, 2019 500 Block Capelle 700 Block Albatross 700 Block Main Street 700 Block Main Street Rosewood Hills 400 Block S Outer Belt 40/Meadow Rd 600 Block Front Street 1100 Block Pamela Blvd. 40 Hwy/Main Street 700 Block Jefferson Main St/McQuerry 700 Block Albatross
Harassment Disturbance Citizen Contact Stealing Area Check Tresspassing Road Obstruction Assault Suspicious Person Area Check Abandoned Vehicle Area Check Disturbance
May 14, 2019 BB/Broadway BB/Harris Nelson/BB 900 Block Cedar 1900 Block Elmwood 600 Block RD Mize
Animal at Large Motor Vehicle Accident C&I Driver Alarm Suspicious Person Area Check
Additional calls for the week: Suicidal subject: 1 Domestic violence: 2
Valley News
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 Diana Luppens, Switch Focus Studios | Contributing Photographer John Overstreet | Contributing Photographer
Mail: PO Box 2972 Grain Valley MO 64029 Phone: 816.809.7984 Email: news@grainvalleynews.com Sign up for our weekly emails and join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @grainvalleynews).
Submit news and announcements to news@grainvalleynews.com
Due to flooding on its beaches, Jackson County Parks + Rec is postponing the opening of Longview Lake Beach and Blue Springs Lake Beach. Both beaches were scheduled to open for the season this Memorial Day weekend. The County plans to open Longview Lake Beach and Blue Springs Lake Due to flooding on its beaches, Jackson County Parks + Rec is postponing the Beach at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 1. opening of Longview Lake Beach and Blue Springs Lake Beach. Photo credit: Jackson County Parks + Rec Both beaches were scheduled to open for the season this Memorial Day weekend. The County plans to open Longview Lake Beach and Blue Springs Lake Beach at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 1. Photo credit: Jackson County Parks + Rec
Page 3
Looking Back: Oakland and Pueblo Schools by Marcia Napier Grain Valley Historical Society
For over one hundred years subscription schools existed in and around Grain Valley. In 1949, Jackson County’s schools were organized into 7 districts and all of the remaining rural schools were closed. Reorganization set boundaries and more often than not all of the rural school students did not end up in the same district. That was certainly true for Grain Valley. Stony Point, Pink Hill, Oak Hill, Round Grove and Capelle had all been closed for more than a decade, however, rural students were still attending elementary classes at Oakland, Murphy, Pueblo, Tarsney, Elm Grove, and Williams School. Due to boundary lines, Oakland School, located at the corner of Truman and Cartmill Roads and Murphy School on Murphy School Road became part of the Fort Osage R-1 District. Pueblo School on Corn Road near Colburn and Tarsney School on Buckner Tarsney Road just south of Colburn became part of the Lee’s Summit R-7 District. Elm Grove School on Stillhouse Road near old 40 Highway and Round Prairie in southeast Sni-a-Bar Township went to the Oak Grove R-6 District. Williams School west of Grain Valley became part of the Blue Springs R-4 District. However, many of the students attending these school actually lived within the boundaries of the Grain Valley R-5 District. In 1991, the Fort Osage Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution compiled a book with the history of rural school which became part of the Fort Osage R-1 School District. For the book, they interviewed Mrs. Claude Dyer (Lorean) who started school at Oakland in 1899. The school was a frame building on a high point overlooking the
Little Blue Creek, close to the Oakland Church. In the 1920’s the school building was purchased and moved to the intersection of Truman and Buckner Tarsney Roads and made into a store. A new brick school was built, which served until the end of the school term in 1949. The brick school was eventually torn down when Truman Road was re-routed in 1965. Pueblo School originally bore the name Webb, because a Mr. Webb lived in the house nearest the school. In the late 1880s when it was proposed that the school have a new name, Mr. Cannon the teacher, suggested Pueblo for Pueblo, Colorado, because he liked the name. Members of a debating society of the school discussed the name, and proposed it be accepted when they were told the name meant meeting place, for the school was a meeting place for their society, as well as, the meeting place for the community of farm families in the area. Next Week: Grain Valley’ Valley’s first public school on Capelle Street.
The Grain Valley Historical Society Museum is located at 510 Main Street. Society’’s website, Visit the Historical Society www.grainvalleyhistory.com, and follow the Society on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@grainvalleyhistory).
Top photo: A Certificate of Approval as a Second Class School for the Pueblo School, dated April 1924. Ethel Johnson is listed as the teacher of the school. Bottom photo: Oakland Brick school, circa 1920. Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society
Read Valley News online weekly at www.grainvalleynews.com.
Business News
Page 4
DED Releases April 2019 Jobs Report The Missouri Department of Economic Development released the April jobs report, which again points to unemployment remaining steady at near record lows. Missouri’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.3 percent. Out of the roughly 3 million individuals in Missouri’s civilian labor force, 101,701 were unemployed in April. Professional, scientific, and technical services industries were up more than 6,000 jobs or 3.7%. Health care and social assistance was up 9,900 jobs, or 2.3%. Accommodation and Food Services and Manufacturing industries were both up over 2%. Missouri’s 2018 exports reached a record high of $14,499,772,351, accounting for nearly 7 percent of Missouri’s GDP. Automotive vehicles and parts have consistently been Missouri’s number one export category over the past four years, according to data recently released by the U.S. Census Foreign Trade Bureau and WISER Trade. Exports in this category accounted for nearly $2.1 billion in 2018, an almost 4 percent increase over 2017. Chemicals and aerospace products and parts each accounted for nearly $1 billion in 2018 exports. Pharmaceuticals and medicines
topped $700 million, and oilseeds and grains reached almost $500 million, rounding out the top five sectors for 2018. The Department of Economic Development also highlighted four pieces of workforce and economic development legislation passed this week, including: Missouri Fast Track: Fills workforce gaps through financial aid for adult learners pursuing education and training in high demand industries. Missouri Works - Deal Closing Fund: Gives Missouri a negotiating tool to close deals with companies by granting tax credits earlier in a business expansion and includes a claw back provision. Automotive Economic Development Tools: Helps retain automotive jobs by granting $5 million in tax credits annually to automotive manufacturers that invest $500 million or more in plant upgrades and agree to retain current workers. Missouri One Start: Improves Missouri’s workforce programs that help businesses recruit, onboard and train large numbers of job applicants during major expansions. Since July 2018, 209 companies have committed to training over 26,000 Missouri workers through the state's workforce development programs.
Business News is provided weekly by the Grain Valley Partnership, whose mission is to be a leader in the growth of Grain Valley.
The Grain Valley Partnership is located at 1450 SW Eagles Parkway, and can be reached by phone, 816-443-5162 or via email at info@growgrainvalley.org.
The Partnership hosts a number of networking events monthly, including: Monthly luncheon (generally held the first Tuesday of the month) featuring networking and a guest speaker;
Unwind after 5, 5 a monthly after work social held at host businesses around the community.
Coffee Connections, Connections held the third Friday of the month from 8:00am— 9:00am at the Grain Valley Price Chopper, is a great opportunity to enjoy breakfast and network.
Learn more about the Partnership: www.growgrainvalley.org
Ribbon Cu ng at 2:30pm.
Community Voices
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Wayne’s World
It’s Much Worse Than Chemistry: It’s Public Speaking by Wayne Geiger
With an enormous amount of anxiety, I walk down the hallway to my classroom for the first day of a new semester of Public Speaking. I’ve worked as an Adjunct Professor in the arena of communication for over 10 years in four different institutions, but it never gets any easier. The students, scattered around the hall, are all buried in their mobile devices. “Here we go again,” I say to myself as I swipe my access card and open the classroom. Most of the students stagger in behind me like defeated prisoners of war. Under protest, they slump their bodies into their seats. Some choose quickly and strategically while others are forced to take the leftovers. I know the seat they choose today will likely be their seat for the entire semester. In addition, their table will determine their small groups and partners for team speech 4 in week 14. I also know that my capped class of 22 students will likely whittle down to 17 or so. I look around and wonder “Who will be the casualties this semester?” I nervously watch the clock and say, “Make sure to check your social media because in 5 minutes you belong to me.” Although I’ve been teaching speaking courses for more than a decade, the first day is always the same. I am more nervous than they are and I let them know this truth. They need to know that we all have an element of social anxiety from time to time. I hand out the syllabus to each student and say, “My name is Wayne and I want to welcome you to Introduction to Chemistry.” A few students chuckle while a few others have a genuine look of concern on their face. I smile and say, “Just kidding— it’s much worse than chemistry—it’s public speaking. I will expect you to get up in front of all these angry-looking people this semester and wow them with your superior communication skills.” Some crack an awkward smile. Some chuckle. Some think, “Man, this is going to be a long semester.”
“This syllabus,” I tell them, “is my gift to you. Everything you need to know about this course is in this document.” I know that most of them will disregard my comment and nonchalantly slip it into their notebook and never look at it again. I feel obligated to pass along some words of wisdom that they can apply to all their courses. I tell them when absent, under no circumstances should they email their prof and say, “I was absent last class. Did I miss anything?” I remind them that the syllabus reveals what they missed. I also let them know that I will probably reply with a snide comment like, “You picked the wrong day to cut class. We solved world hunger, but you were supposed to be our notetaker, and now we’re doomed.” As I begin to lecture, I remind them that I sympathize with them. Most of them are not here by choice. Very few students line up to take Public Speaking. More than likely, it’s a requirement for their degree. I also remind them that I am passionate about the topic. I’m hoping they’ll meet me halfway. They want a good, or at least, a passing grade. I want them to be proficient communicators. My goal is a win-win. In one of our classes, the students stand up and introduce themselves. This allows us to bond as a class and find common ground. It also allows me to weave several themes in the semester. For example, one of the students wants to be a pilot. I announce to the class that this will work well if we decide to take a field trip to the beach. Two of the students describe their love for music and singing. I tell them that I play the guitar and sometime this semester, I will bring my guitar and they can sing a duet. They nervously chuckle. I will mention this several more times during the semester at opportune times. They’re pretty sure I’m joking, but they’re unsure. As you would expect in a public speaking course, my ultimate goal is
helping them speak in public. I remind them, “This is not public test taking.” Equally important is my desire for social interaction. I want them to bond. I work hard to call each student by name and cross pollinate their stories. We do a great deal of brainstorming and teamwork. “You guys are going to be my favorite class,” I announce to them. “Of course, I say this to all my classes, but for you guys, I really mean it.” By now, they’ve gotten used to my strange sense of humor. As the weeks go by, I notice my students are beginning to gather in a common area to await the start of class. Their devices are still nearby, but they are talking and laughing. The camaraderie continues into the classroom. Sometimes, they gather around a common table to talk or even play hangman on the board. I sometimes join the fun. Strangers are becoming friends. At the beginning of one class, several of the students talk about how much fun they had at lunch together. One of them announces to the class that this is an open invitation for anyone. “You can come too, professor” he says. I am honored, but I respectfully decline to keep a level of integrity and professionalism. Week 15 is evaluation week—mine and theirs. The students will present their final, team speeches. “I have nothing left to teach you in this basic class,” I tell them, “today is the day that you will validate my teaching skills or convince me that I should take up basket weaving.” I watch with pride and admiration as the students begin to speak. I have walked with them through this semester and shared their struggles and triumphs. I have watched their eyes light up when they “got it”. The apathetic, struggling student that got an email from me that said, “Don’t give up, we’ll get you through this. No
one wants to take this class twice!” is on point. My eyes get a little moist as I watch and listen. On our final day of class, the students are laughing and enjoying one another’s company. They have been awaiting my arrival. My two “singing students” have made plans to sing karaoke together and they ask, “Hey where’s your guitar?” I am surprised and elated that they remembered. I apologize, profusely, that I have forgotten my guitar, but invite them to continue. After their song one of them says, “Man, I would have never done that at the beginning of the semester!” I smile inside and out. Near the end of class, the students all exchange personal contact information. They also talk about getting together for lunch in the near future. As they leave, one of the students says, “Hey professor, I’m gonna send you an email when our class gets together for lunch—will you come?” I smile and say, “Of course I will! “You guys are my favorite class!” The students have exited for the last time, and the room is silent. I feel that familiar lump in my throat and sadness in my heart for the end of the semester. I scan the room, seeing the empty chairs and the stories that they represent. I miss them already. I remember that every speech, every story, has an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. So does the semester. One semester ends in order to give birth to the next. Here we go again.
Wayne Geiger is the Pastor of First Baptist Grain Valley, an Adjunct Associate Professor of Speech at Johnson Country Community College, and a freelance writer.
Submit your community news and events to news@grainvalleynews.com.
Page 6 ANIMAL CONTROL an animal control officer is managing the City’s lost and found animals. Tuttle explains that reports of lost pets increase in the spring for several reasons. Dogs are often frightened by storms and can run off in fear. Broken tree limbs can also damage fences and create an opportunity for dogs to escape their yard. Tuttle encourages owners to stay aware during bad weather and inspect their yards and fences for damage regularly. “Ken is really good about finding owners. He usually finds out who the owner is and gets back to them before they have to go to our housing,” Hedger said. The City contracts with Oak Grove Animal Clinic to house lost animals who cannot be immediately reunited with their owners. “We have a 5 day standard hold. After that period, we work with a number of rescues who help with foster homes and adoptions,” Tuttle said. Pet owners are required to license their pets annually with the City, and those registration tags can be helpful if a pet is found by animal control. Pet owners are also encouraged to microchip their pets and update the registration annually. “We try to stress that with everyone, because it makes the process so much easier to get the animal back to their owners quickly. Often, a stray dog or cat manages to wriggle out of or lose their color and ID tags, so the microchip is the last line of defense to identify the animal,” Tuttle said. Tuttle monitors social media as well, but sees the tool as a mixed blessing. It is sometimes helpful when trying to locate a pet owner, but both Tuttle and Hedger warn against trying to approach or temporarily house an animal you do not know. “My recommendation to residents who find a dog is to first call animal control. The main reason is for safety. Even a social dog could give you an issue if you try to grab it. I would suggest giving Ken a call and having him handle the situation,” Hedger said. Grain Valley does not have any breed restrictions, but there are restrictions regarding the number of animals allowed per household. A maximum of four (4)
continued from page 1
animals above the age of 6 months are allowed. Outside of reuniting wandering pets with their owners, Tuttle spends a good portion of his time investigating and moderating complaints. “The biggest complaint we come across is the noise complaint or excessive barking complaint. It really is a grey area when it comes to that. Dogs bark – it’s what they do. It is more of a common courtesy among neighbors to monitor your pets and bring them in or distract them if they are excessively barking,” Tuttle said. As temperatures rise in the summer, Tuttle also fields many calls related to dogs who are outside without proper shelter or water. “Owners just need to be aware and plan ahead if they need to leave their dogs outside while they are at work or on an errand. Some dogs are better equipped for the climate. A double coated dog like a Husky or a Chow obviously won’t do well in the summer heat without proper shelter and plenty of water,” Tuttle said. Tuttle emphasizes that educating and moderating disagreements is his primary goal, not punishment. “Accidents happen. Someone leaves the gate open, or the kids forget to shut the door and an animal gets out. It is only when it becomes a routine or neglectful that we have an issue,” Tuttle said. “I’ts not about writing tickets and handing out fines,” Hedger said. “Those are the steps we take if all other efforts have failed, but our chief role is as an educator and diplomat.” “That’s right. There are times where my role is just to drop the tailgate down on the truck and have a discussion,” Tuttle said. “I’ve seen Ken sit on the tailgate of the truck with two neighbors who had a long standing disagreement and by the end they were able to peacefully co-exist,” Hedger said. To reach Officer Tuttle, call 816-8476264 or email ktuttle@grainvalleypolice.org. For more information on the City’s Animal Control policies, visit https:// www.cityofgrainvalley.org/departments/ police/animal-control/.
Animal Control Officer Ken Tuttle patrols Grain Valley, reuniting lost pets with owners and keeping the peace among neighbors. To reach Officer Tuttle, call 816816847--6264 or email ktuttle@grainvalleypolice.org. 847
Keep Cool on the Grill (Family Features)
Keep your kitchen cool and comfortable with grilled meals that banish the heat to the outdoors. Crisp, fresh greens and a perfect blend of spices and savory ingredients are the perfect solutions for toasty days. Zesty mustard, spicy Sriracha and rich buttermilk lend a marinated flavor upgrade to traditional grilled chicken in this recipe courtesy of Lori Yates of Foxes Love Lemons on behalf of Milk Means More. Grilled Buttermilk Chicken Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 16 minutes Servings: 4 1½ 1 1 2 2 4 4 ¼
cups buttermilk tablespoon mustard powder tablespoon Sriracha teaspoons minced garlic teaspoons paprika chicken drumsticks, bone in, skin on chicken thighs, bone in, skin on cup chopped fresh parsley
vegetable oil, for grill lemon, cut into wedges (optional) In medium bowl, whisk buttermilk, mustard powder, Sriracha, garlic and paprika. Place chicken in large zip-top bag; pour buttermilk mixture over chicken. Seal bag and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight. Heat outdoor grill for direct grilling over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess; discard marinade. Lightly oil grill grates. Transfer chicken to grill and cook, turning occasionally, 16-18 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 F. Transfer chicken to serving platter. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
Photo credit: Family Features
Sports
Page 7
Eagles Track and Field Off To State This Weekend Following a successful showing at the Class 4 Sectional meet in Odessa, Grain Valley Track and Field will be sending several athletes to the State Championships this weekend. Royce Fisher broke a school record in the 3,200 meter with a time of 9:34.83 to qualify for state with a second place finish, and also qualified for the 1,600 meter with a time of 4:30.81.
Senior Cole Hayes took third in the pole vault to qualify for state (12-00.00), and junior Jaiden Yarber qualified in two events, finishing third in the 110 meter hurdles and second in the 300 meter hurdles with a time of 40.04. Senior Tyler Luke qualified in four events, including a first place win in the 200 meter run (22.38). Luke teamed up with Nate Booker, Logan Pratt, and
Mason Rogers to win first in the 4x100 relay and second in the 4x200 relay. The girls team had a successful run at Sectionals as well. Senior Morgan Scott took first in the 800 meter (2:22.17), and also qualified in the long jump competition. Scott was also a part of the 4x800 meter relay team of Valerie Holcomb, Kailey Larson, and Lilly Ogle who placed first with a time of 9:49.85.
The girls 4x400 relay team of Avery Huffman, Gracelyn LaForge, Jayonna Perry, and Morgan Scott finished second with a time of 4:04.73. Perry, a sophomore, also took third in the 300 meter hurdles (45.22) and was a part of the 4x200 meter relay team (with Avery Huffman, Gracelyn LaForge, and Jordyn Weems) to finish fourth with a time of 1:48.86
Well-Rounded Athletes Are The Goal At Groundwork Athletic Performance Academy The familiar crack of a baseball bat and cheers from parents at ballfields around town are sounds that signal summer has arrived. While many student athletes spend the summer enjoying the sunshine and team comradery in Little League or competitive baseball and softball, Grain Valley’s Yard Baseball Club is in the business of training those in the area with emerging talent to take their skills to the next level. The Yard Baseball Club facility, located at 1460 NW Olympic Drive, opened in Grain Valley in November 2017 and shares space with Boost Physical Therapy. Coach Jeff Jolliffe, a former Iowa State baseball player, leads the Club, along with a team of experienced coaches who focus on guiding player development on and off the field. The Club boasts a number of athletes who have gone on to be recruited to college and professional play, including Pedro Alfonseca, who currently plays with the Cleveland Indians. In addition to 6 tunnels and 2 bullpens, the Club offers a number of diagnostic tools, including a HitTrax simulator which analyzes player mechanics. Sharing space with Boost Physical Therapy also benefits athletes through free screenings with therapists to identify issues and injuries that may arise. Memberships allow access to the facility 7 days a week, 8:00am – 10:00pm. The facility is also available for special event rentals, including birthday parties. Coach Jolliffe’s wife, Meghan Jolliffe, has the title of “Vice-President: Non Baseball Tasks”, and is a driving force behind the scenes. Meghan recently gave Valley News a tour of the Club’s facility and shared information on the facility’s newest effort, the Groundwork Athletic Performance Academy. Groundwork Athletic Performance Academy is a co-educational after school program that will teach students grades 3-8 the skills needed to be a wellrounded athlete. In addition to focusing on baseball and softball, the program will emphasize skills building in strength,
speed, agility and nutrition. “A lot of kids don’t know how to train, and don’t know what to do. We really want to work with kids early to prevent injury, maintain a healthy mental focus, and stay active,” Jolliffe said. “We’re seeing childhood obesity increase, activity decrease, and kids not playing outside. Parents don’t always understand the nutrition needs of athletes. And, we are seeing a need to help students gain the skills to compete mentally.” The academy is offering an early enrollment special of $90/week if enrolled by June 1st. The after school academy is offered Monday – Friday until 6:00pm. A series of camps for student athletes will be held at the facility this summer to introduce the academy concept to athletes and their parents. Groundwork Camp, to be held June 1012 from 9:00am – Noon, will be a co-ed camp designed for all athletes. Participants will be taught important fundamentals for all athletes, including strength, speed, and agility, as well as nutrition. The camp will focus on baseball and softball, but a variety of sports will be taught. Additional camps include a Pitcher/ Catcher camp from June 24th—26th, a HitTrax camp from July 8th—10th, and an Infield/Outfield camp July 22nd—24th.
The walls of the Yard Baseball Club are filled with the names of student baseball and softball athletes who have gone on to be recruited by colleges and professional baseball teams, including Pedro Alfonseca, who currently plays with the Cleveland Indians. Photo credit: Valley News staff Each of the Academy’s programs focus heavily on utilizing data to improve results, and each athlete will leave the camp with a report card to help improve their play. For more information on the Groundwork Athletic Performance Academy summer camps and programs, call 816-728-6024 or visit
www.gapkc.com. For more information on the Yard Baseball Club and facilities, including special event rentals, contact Meghan Jolliffe at 816-728-6024, by email at meghan.jolliffe@icloud.com, or visit www.yardbaseballclub.com.
players’’ swing and speed. The HitTrax machine is just one of the diagnostic tools Yard Baseball Club coaches use to analyze players player’’s performance, and a partnership with Boost Physical Therapy ensures players reduce Coaches use data to improve a player injury risk. Photo credit: Valley News staff
Read Valley News online weekly at www.grainvalleynews.com.
Community Calendar Thursday, May 23, 2019
Last Day of Schools—Grain Valley Schools
Saturday, May 25, 2019
Read to a Pet Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley 10:30am—11:30am Register online: www.mymcpl.org/ events
Monday, May 27, 2019
Memorial Day— Day—City Hall Closed
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Now Playing for Kids: The Secret Life of Pets Mid-Continent Public Library, Grain Valley Branch 6:00pm Escape to the library for an adventure on the big screen.
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Storytime for Families Mid-Continent Public Library, Grain Valley Branch 10:00am—10:30am Come share the early literacy experience with the whole family. Hear stories, sing songs, join in movement activities, and more.
Saturday, June 1, 2019
City Wide CleanClean -Up Event Free community event for Grain Valley residents to dispose of unwanted items. Proof of residency required (water bill or driver’s license). Bag loose items. Items not accepted include tires, paint, oil, refrigerators, air conditioners, bagged trash, and yard waste or clippings. 8:00am—2:00pm
Monday, June 3, 2019
Senior Coffee Weekly on Mondays 9:00am—11:00am Time to visit with friends and make new ones. Free. Senior Yoga Weekly on Mondays Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S Main 10:30am—11:15am $2 or Free for SilverSneakers, Silver & Fit, and Renew Active Members
Book Group Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley 6:30pm—7:30pm Register online: www.mymcpl.org/ events
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Senior Citizen Luncheon Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S Main 11:30am—1:00pm $3 suggested donation. RSVP by calling 816-847-6293 or email to info@cityofgrainvalley.org. Family Support Group Meeting 1st Wednesday of each month, ReDiscover Mental Health 901 Independence Ave., Lee's Summit 7:00pm—9:00pm Free, casual attire. Discussions include Bi-Polar, Schizophrenia, Depression, and other mental illnesses. All families are welcome and discussions are confidential. Facilitated by www.namimissouri.org
June 10— 10—12, 2019
Summer Camp: Groundwork Athletic Performance Academy Yard Baseball Club Indoor Facility 1460 NW Olympic Dr. Unit H, Grain Valley 9:00am—Noon Groundwork Camp is a co-ed camp grade 3-8 designed for all athletes. Teaching fundamentals of a wellrounded athlete; including strength, speed, & agility as well as nutrition, competition and the mental side. A focus on baseball/softball, but a variety of sports will be taught. Free T-shirt and report card will be provided. Register: www.gapkc.com
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