Valley News Board Considers Elementary Redistricting, Middle School Addition

September 27, 2018 www.grainvalleynews.com Vol. 1, No. 15 FREE

Good News

Grain Valley Schools has been awarded the 2018 MTSS Implementation Award from the Missouri Council of Administrators of Special Education. The recognition affirms the processes the district has in place to implement multi-tier systems of support for all students.

Multi-Tier System of Supports, or MTSS, is widely accepted as an effective approach to improving educational outcomes for all students. MTSS is driven by systematic data collection on student progress, with proven interventions and monitoring as needed.

Photo courtesy of Grain Valley Schools.

District growth and how best to deal with it was just part of a full agenda at the September 20th Board of Education meeting. In addition to a welcome reception for thirty-nine teachers who are new to the district, the Board considered two agenda items that both dealt with the continued growth of the district. North Middle and South Middle Schools are both near capacity. North Middle School is currently at 98% capacity with 442 students enrolled. South Middle School, with a current enrollment of 618, has a bit more capacity, but the district prefers to keep its enrollment at the low 600s. District administration reported to the Board that there is an immediate need for the addition of 5 classrooms, which could be funded through a lease-purchase agreement.

A lease purchase agreement is similar to bond money in that it is borrowed funding that the district agrees to repay. With a bond, the debt is paid back using the district’s debt service levy. Payments to pay back a lease purchase agreement come from the operating levy. “Our approach to a lease purchase is to use it for projects that are smaller in scale, such as replacing a set of buses or adding a few classrooms to an existing school. As the scale of the project or purchase gets larger, then it becomes more challenging to repay with our operating levy, which we rely upon to provide for the operation of the schools and programs,” Brad Welle, Deputy Superintendent for School and Community Services said. The Board is considering two options at this time. The first option

would be to build out a current half wing of the building at North Middle, adding 5 classrooms. The other option being considered is a full buildout of the remaining 1 ½ wings of North Middle School. The building was designed to allow for build out to three full classroom wings which would enable the school to support the same number of students as South Middle School. Regardless of the option selected, administrators are working on plans to best utilize existing space at North Middle School for the 2019-20 school year. If the Board decides to only build out a half wing, adding 5 classrooms, work would still not be completed before next fall. Administrators will look at how each space in the building is being used, downsizing smaller classes

into alternate spaces. They will consider solutions such as traveling teachers who utilizing classrooms not being used during plan periods, Welle said. The Board also reviewed a process proposed by District Administration to establish an Elementary Boundary Steering Committee to convene in October. The Committee’s mission would be to review enrollment and growth at each of the district’s elementary schools and draft a proposal to adjust existing boundaries. Committee recruitment is well underway, with representatives for Matthews and Prairie Branch covered. “PTA leadership have been helping recruit volunteers for the steering committee. Matthews and Prairie Branch are pretty well

see SCHOOLS on page 3

Officer Iiams with the Grain Valley Police Department will present RAD (Rape Agression Defense) Training, a free, 4 day course at First Baptist Church of Grain Valley beginning October 30th. Sessions will be held October 30th, November 1st, November 6th, and November 8th from 5:30pm—8:30pm. First Baptist Church of Grain Valley is located at 207 West Walnut Street. The Rape Agression Defense (RAD) System is a program of

realistic, self-defense tactics, concepts, and techniques. It is a comprehensive course for women that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction, and avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. The program is sponsored by Jackson County COMBAT. Only 20 seats are available for this course. To register for the event, contact Officer Iiams at 816-847-5000 ext. 2019 or 816-847-6250.

GVPD Offers Free RAD Training

The Missouri Department of Transportation will close Buckner Tarsney Road between U.S. 50 and Lone Jack Lee’s Summit Road beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 2, until approximately Tuesday, Oct. 16. In addition to this

closure, the left turn lane from eastbound U.S. 50 to Buckner Tarsney Road will be closed. This closure is for paving work. Motorists will need to plan ahead and find an alternate route. All work is weather permitting.

Road Work to Close Portion of Buckner Tarsney Road Starting October 2nd

Police Blotter The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of September 12-18, 2018.

Community Survey Indicates Overall Satisfaction with City, Services

Page 2 Local News

Results from a recently completed citizen survey were presented during the September 24th Board of Alderman meeting and indicated overall satisfaction with city services, and higher than the national average results in terms of satisfaction with the citizens’ perception of the City in terms of the quality of education and as a place to live. ETC Institute, commissioned to complete the survey for the City of Grain Valley, reported 610 surveys were completed, which was well above the sample size goal of 400 respondents. The purpose of the survey was to assess citizen satisfaction with delivery of City services and to determine priorities for the community to assist with ongoing City planning. 85% of respondents reported

they were either “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the overall quality of the education system within the City. This was 30% above the Missouri and Kansas average. Likewise, the City ranked well above the Missouri/Kansas average on the question asking for residents’ level of satisfaction with Grain Valley as a place to live. 84% of respondents indicated they were either “very satisfied” or “satisfied”. Resident satisfaction with customer service within City departments was also high. Notably, the City’s utility billing customer service was ranked at 72% “very satisfied” or “satisfied”, which is well above the national average of 40%. Residents ranked the “condition of city streets, sidewalks, and infrastructure” as a top priority to be addressed. In the area of

development, most respondents felt retail, industrial, and office development is too slow. 60% reported they felt single family residential development was “just right”, and 48% believed condo and townhouse development was moving too fast. Aldermen Stratton said the report helped provide a “more true reflection of the community” than what may be perceived on social media. To view the PowerPoint presentation from Monday’s Board meeting, visit https://www.cityofgrainvalley.org/wp-content/uploads/2018-Grain-Valley-Community-Survey-Presentation-September-24-2018.pdf. In other news, Outer Belt Entertainment, LLC was granted another opportunity to apply for a liquor license for the Whiskey Tango property they are planning

to purchase. Following the denial of their initial liquor license application on August 27th (which was denied following a detailed list of concerns provided by Police Chief Beale regarding the group’s other properties) representatives from Outer Belt Entertainment LLC, requested a meeting with City Administrator Ryan Hunt and Chief Beale to address the concerns raised. Chief Beale explained to the Board at the September 24th meeting that the explanations provided satisfied his concerns. Once Outer Belt reapplies, the application will be brought before the Board for consideration. The next Board of Aldermen meeting will be held at 7:00pm on October 8th at City Hall.

September 12, 2018 700 Block Main St Lost Property 900 Block Birch Ct Disturbance 1300 Blk Stoney Brooke Dr Susp Activity 1900 Blk Broadway Dr Susp Vehicle 1000 Block Scenic Theft from Auto 700 Block Par Susp Activity 100 Block Michael Theft from Auto 1900 Block Willow Dr Theft from Auto 600 Block Yennie Motor Vehicle Accident 1300 Block Minter Way Alarm Ryan Rd & BB Hwy Careless and Imp Driver September 13, 2018 100 Block McQuerry Rd Citizen Contact 700 Block Main St Citizen Contact 400 Block Ryan Rd Suspicious Person 200 Block Front St Agency Assist 400 Block Europa Citizen Contact 2100 Block Dillingham Susp Vehicle 200 Block Willow Ct Citizen Contact September 14, 2018 1200 Block Walnut Ct Animal Bite 200 Block Michael Alarm 1700 Block Hedgewood Parking Complaint

600 Block Creekridge Dr Area Check 700 Block Main St Citizen Contact 700 Block Main St Disturbance 700 Block Ginger Hill Alarm 500 Block Woodbury Animal Bite 1000 Block Ephraim Found Property 400 Block Laura Ln Parking Complaint US 40 Hwy & Meadow Ln Suspicious Person 700 Block Hillside Ct Alarm 100 Block Rock Creek Ln Susp Activity 900 Block Cedar Ln Alarm September 15, 2018 900 Block Ryan Rd Alarm 700 Block Main St Citizen Contact 700 Block Main St Animal at Large 100 Block Cross Creek 911 Hangup 500 Block Foothill Speeding 400 Block Laura Ln Citizen Contact 100 Block Sunny Ln Check the Well Being 800 Block San Kar Assault 1200 Block Ashley Dr Agency Assist (CJC) 4th & Salem Agency Assist (OGPD) 1200 Block Foxtail Susp Vehicle

September 16, 2018 700 Block Main St Recovery Stolen Property 1300 Block Golfview Dr Recovered Property Sni-A-Bar Pkwy & Sni-A-Bar Harassment 700 Block Main St Citizen Contact 800 Block Valley Woods Dr Citizen Contact 100 Block Cross Creek Parking Complaint 200 Block Amanda Ln Check the Well Being 700 Block Main St Suspicious Activity 1100 Block Eagle Ridge Blvd Alarm Hamilton & Hillsboro Parking Complaint September 17, 2018 1200 Block Phelps Dr Vandalism 900 Block Cross Creek Dr Agency Assist (Weston PD) 700 Block Main St Citizen Contact 700 Block Baytree Cir Suspicious Juveniles 600 Block Valley Ridge Ct Alarm 700 Block Main St Stolen Vehicle 700 Block Main St Fingerprints 1300 Block Graystone Cir Suspicious Vehicle

28000 Block Moreland Rd Agency Assist (JCSO) I-70 EB MM 25.2 Area Check 900 Block Shorthorn Dr Missing Juvenile 700 Block Main St Citizen Contact 700 Block Main St Fraud 700 Block Main St Found Property 600 Block Valley Ridge Ct Alarm 700 Block Main St Citizen Contact September 18, 2018 700 Block Main St Motor Vehicle Theft 500 Blk SW Eagles Pkwy Check the Well Being 700 Block Tisha Ln Nuisance Animal 500 Block Broadway Parking Complaint 1800 Block Broadway Citizen Contact 700 Block Main St Citizen Contact 400 Block Minter Alarm 200 Block Memorial Dr Prisoner Transport 700 Block Main St Disturbance Additional calls: Suicidal Subject Order of Protection

covered. Community members from Stony Point and Sni-A-Bar are still being recruited,” Welle said. Those interested in serving on the committee may contact their building principals or Dr. Welle at Central Office. The first meeting of the steering committee is scheduled for October 3rd at 6:00pm. A community engagement session will be scheduled for mid-October, allowing the community at large to learn more about plans and to share feedback. The Steering Committee is expected to wrap up work by November 1st. Redistricting could allow the district 5-10 years of time before the district would need to consider adding a 5th elementary school. Welle said a demographer was hired a year ago to look at the district’s past growth and projected growth over the next 10-15 years. “He (the demographer) pointed out that at the elementary level, we are 180 students from needing a 5th elementary school. If we continue the average growth of new students per year, it will take us 10 years to get to a 5th elementary. But with current housing growth, particularly on the north side of town, there is

reason to believe it will happen sooner than that,” Welle said. The district has 88 acres adjacent to North Middle School available for an elementary school and second high school campus if continued growth necessitates those additions. Welle said the district is mindful of demographic changes in the community so they do not overbuild. “One of the important points the demographer pointed out was that established neighborhoods like the Sni-A-Bar community neighborhood is not regreening. In other words, families have empty nested and the parents are staying in those homes. The growth we are seeing is on the north side of town, and those new students are replacing graduating students. They are not necessarily creating a large spike in student enrollment at this time,” Welle said. In other business, the Board adopted the tax rate levy set at $5.4163 per $100,000 of assessed valuation for the 2018-19 school year. This rate is down from a rate of $5.4255 last year and the sixth consecutive year the Board has lowered the tax rate levy.

SCHOOLS from page 1

Now that the dog days of summer have given way to crisp fall mornings, mums and pumpkins are popping up on porches around town and pumpkin spice has infiltrated the grocery shelves. Along with fall decorations and savory treats, The Pumpkin Pad, located at 4111 South Buckner Tarsney Road, offers a variety of fall fun for all ages. Grain Valley residents Vincent and Melissa Moehle, along with their 10-year old daughter Jayden, own and operate the pumpkin patch. Originally from the Boonville area, Vincent has farmed since he was a small child. After growing and selling pumpkins wholesale for several years, he and his wife decided to expand to a full pumpkin patch three years ago. They began selling pumpkins and gourds for those seeking fall decorations but heard from many customers who wanted to wander out into the patch to pick their own pumpkins. In addition to the “U-Pick” pumpkin patch, activities include corn bins and slide, pumpkin

bounce house, hay wagon ride, themed cornhole games, and an autumn back drop selfie booth. This year, the Moehles have also added spider swings, a giant pumpkin jumping pillow, and a hay maze. The Pumpkin Pad is open weekends beginning Saturday, September 29th through Sunday, October 28th. Hours are Noon – 6:00pm on Fridays, and 10:00am – 6:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Parking is free and there are handicapped accessible parking spaces are available near the entrance. Admission is $10 per person and includes unlimited rides, activities, and attractions. Children age 1 and under are free. Pumpkins and decorative gourds are available for purchase at the front entrance display, or you can wander through the patch and pick your own. Cash, credit, and debit cards are accepted. Concessions are available as well, including pumpkin spice cupcakes made from pumpkins grown at the patch, pumpkin decorated sugar cookies, hot dogs, chips, candy, popcorn, soda, and

water. Strollers are allowed and most areas are accessible for wheelchairs and scooters. Dogs are not allowed, with the exception of service animals. Those wishing to simply pick up pumpkins to decorate their front porch are welcome to do so at the

front entrance daily through October 28th. The Pumpkin Pad is open rain or shine. For more information on The Pumpkin Pad, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pumpkinpad/.

The Pumpkin Pad Opens This Weekend

The Pumpkin Pad, located at 4111 S Buckner Tarsney Road, will open for the season on Saturday, September 29th. Hours are Noon – 6:00pm on Fridays, and 10:00am – 6:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Page 3

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

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).

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 18% in the next decade, much faster than the average for all other occupations. Grain Valley High School (GVHS) students with an interest in entering this fast-growing field have an opportunity to network, compete, gain leadership skills, and travel through the school’s HOSA chapter. Health Occupations Students of America chapter, now called HOSA-Future Health Professionals, is a student-led international organization, established in 1976 to promote career opportunities in the health care industry and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people. This is the chapter’s third year at Grain Valley High School and it has grown quickly to 64 members this school year. GVHS science teacher and the chapter’s sponsor, Danielle Dace, said the leadership, travel, and networking opportunities available to students through HOSA are outstanding. Students prepare throughout the year to compete at the state leadership conference held annually in March. Students can compete in one of over 55 events focused on skills and fields they would like to pursue. Last year, six students went on to compete in Dallas at the International Conference. In addition to competitions, students network with others interested in pursuing similar careers, meet health professionals in the community, and work on a number of service projects. “As a teacher, I want these opportunities available for my students and HOSA does that,”

Dace said. In addition to the International Conference in June, two students recently returned from a trip to Washington, DC, where HOSA student leaders from across the nation convened to learn leadership skills and how to be better advocates for the mission of the organization.

Shaley Harper, junior at GVHS and President-Elect of the school’s HOSA chapter, was one of the students representing Grain Valley’s chapter at the Washington Leadership Academy held in mid-September. “We spoke to representatives from Senator Blunt and Senator McCaskill’s offices about our organization and the Perkins grant that helps fund organizations like HOSA,” Harper said. Harper said the organization helped her figure out what she

wanted to study after high school. “My competitive event is sports medicine, and I want to be a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon. This organization got me interested in the sports medicine field as well as orthopedics, because I learned a lot about the skeletal and muscular system through HOSA and our

Project Lead the Way classes that we take at school,” Harper said. Sam Collins, a senior and Historian for the HOSA chapter, stated that his interest in pursuing a biomedical engineering degree was a result of networking with other students and talking about career interests. Sam is looking at attending Wichita State University next fall to study biomedical engineering. “Networking with students who have similar interests is also an

important aspect of the program,” Dace said. Olivia Herder, GVHS senior and the chapter’s Secretary, also said her participation in HOSA led her to an interest in becoming a pediatrician. During a STEM night event with elementary students, Olivia realized her passion for working with children. “I loved talking with children. At the STEM event, we had to talk students through a science experiment to extract their DNA. It was really fun to see their faces light up,” Herder said. Beyond the competitions and networking, students conduct a number of service projects annually. The group will be assisting with a Sock it to Breast Cancer event Saturday, September 29th during the Cross Country meet on the grounds at Grain Valley North Middle School. Members will be offering pink ribbons for a donation; funds raised from the event will benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The group will also work on a number of fundraising projects this school year to raise funds for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Additionally, the group visits local nursing homes and has invited medical professionals to review their past projects. They welcome the opportunity to partner with other area health care professionals to expand networking beyond the school. “I’m just really proud of my students and I want people to know how amazing they are,” Dace said. Follow GVHS’s HOSA chapter on Twitter: @GVHOSA.

Students Explore Health Careers Through HOSA

2018-19 GVHS HOSA-Future Health Professionals Chapter Officers include (L to R): Olivia Herder, Secretary; Shaley Harper, President-Elect; Sam Collins, Historian Photo credit: Valley News staff

Education Page 4

Two Moves to a Toned Core by Sally Whitaker

Health & Fitness

Core strength is important for healthy posture and can help relieve back and leg pain. Adding core work to your day doesn’t have to be time consuming. Both of these exercises are from the Classical Pilates Ab Series. You have probably done a variation of them at some point, but with the Pilates perspective you will find proper form so that the exercise is done correctly and more efficiently. First, let’s talk about your head and neck. Proper alignment here will not only help strengthen your upper abdominals but will also keep your neck pain-free. Lie flat on the floor with your knees bent. Allow your spine to lengthen, closing the space between your back and the floor. Look up and over at your navel, creating a "candy cane" neck. Use this for any sort of ab work or �oor work where your head is lifted.

The top "no" example is placing strain on the head, neck and upper back. The bottom "yes" example

engages the upper abdominals to lift the upper body. When done properly, you should not feel any strain or pull in your neck. Practice! Straight Leg Lower Lift 1. Finger tips point to ears, shoulders

relax away from ears. Peek up and over at the navel.

2. Legs are glued together heels together, toes fist-width apart, and lifted to the ceiling.

3. Close off space between your back and the floor.

4. Lower your legs keeping your gaze steady at your navel. DO NOT let your back arch off the floor. If it does you are going too far! It's okay

if you only lower your legs a few inches in the beginning. The movement will grow as your strength does.

5. Return your legs to the starting position (90-degree angle from the floor). Inhale as your lower your legs, exhale as you lift.

Keep your tailbone "heavy" on the floor and your back on the floor. If your next starts to hurt lower your head. Complete 5-10 reps

Criss Cross 1. Finger tips point to ears, shoulders

relaxed. Look up and over at the navel.

2. Draw your left knee in, stretch your right leg long.

3. Twist to take your right armpit to your left knee cap. Turn your gaze to look at the back elbow. Why armpit and not elbow? This movement allows you to lift up and over while twisting rather than just rocking side to side. It also allows the chest to remain open for proper breathing.

4. Return to center as you inhale. 5. Exhale and switch directions, taking

the left armpit to the right knee, gaze follows the right elbow. Keep your arms lifted up off of the floor. Keep legs higher in the beginning to make it easier on the back. You can take them lower to the floor as your strength increases.

Combining these two exercises works the abdominals and the obliques so that you are hitting every part of the abdominal area. Working obliques = a tighter, toned core! Do them every day, and you will start seeing results fast! You should consult your physician or other health care professional before starting this or any other fitness program to determine if it is right for your needs. Do not start this fitness program if your physician or health care provider advises against it. If you experience faintness, dizziness, pain or shortness of breath at any time while exercising you should stop immediately. Sally Whitaker is a Pilates and Yoga instructor with 15 years of experience teaching group classes and private clientele, primarily in Independence, MO. During the summer months you can find her teaching Sunset Yoga at Armstrong Park in Grain Valley.

Page 5

Page 6 Business News

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. Learn more about the Partnership at www.growgrainvalley.org

Businesses Warned of Potential Scam Claiming School Ties

Upcoming Partnership Events:

September 28, 2018 Grain Valley Partnership 2nd Annual Golf Classic Shotgun start at 8:00am October 2, 2018 Grain Valley Partnership Monthly Luncheon 11:30am—1:00pm

October 19, 2018 Coffee Connections 8:00am—Price Chopper Grain Valley Held the 3rd Friday of each month For more information on all upcoming Partnership events, visit www.growgrainvalley.org.

There have been reports of local businesses being contacted by a company called Boost Media who claimed to be representing Grain Valley Schools to raise money for high school activities. The calls originate from a Texas phone number. Callers claim to be soliciting donations for t-shirts,

tumblers, and mini-basketballs to be distributed during home basketball games. Boost Media is not working with Grain Valley Schools. Grain Valley Schools does not rely on third party operators to raise money for student programs.

Grain Valley Partnership welcomes the following new partners: County Oak Village New York Life, Tarra Geistdorfer Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity - ReStore - Blue Springs

Welcome New Partners

The Grain Valley Police Department and Shred It are sponsoring a shredding event on October 27th for Grain Valley residents or those who work in Grain Valley (proof of residency or work

address required). The event will be held from 9:00am—Noon at City Hall. Residents are welcome to bring up to three bags or boxes for secure disposal. There is no cost for this event.

Shredding Event Set for October 27th

Page 7 Community Voices Looking Back The Armstrongs Behind Armstrong Park by Marcia Napier Grain Valley Historical Society

Hopefully, a community gathering place was a part of what Miss Lizzie Armstrong had in mind when she left her family’s land to the city. Under the provisions of her will Mary Elizabeth Armstrong left land and money to the city of Grain Valley to build its first park. “Miss Lizzie” was the youngest of nine children born to Thomas and Mary Armstrong of Michigantown, Indiana, between 1860 and 1875. Miss Lizzie’s mother died in 1877 and in 1883 Thomas left Indiana and brought the younger children to settle on farmland north of Grain Valley. When Thomas died on May 22, 1899, the probate records indicate that his property was left to six of his children; William F. (1861-1934), James V. (1866-1954), Benton H. (1868-1961), T. Amon (1873-1953), Suzanne (1864-circa 1920) and Mary Elizabeth (1875-1966). According to a February, 1973 article in The Jackson County Sentinel they owned three farms north of Grain Valley and fed hogs. Miss Lizzie and three of her unmarried brothers (James, Ben and Amon) moved to the property in town in 1920. In provision No. 5 of her will, Miss Armstrong wrote: “I give, devise, and bequeath my 20-acre farm at Grain Valley to the city of Grain Valley to be

used as a park and to be known as the Armstrong Park, and to be maintained by the city of Grain Valley. In the event I should sell the back 10 acres, the proceeds therefore shall become part of my estate and be used for the purposes set out by the provision 6 of this will.” Provision No. 6: “I give, devise, and bequeath all the rest and residue of my estate, real, personal, and mixed, of every kind and nature, wheresoever same may be located to the city of Grain Valley to be used for the development and maintenance of the Armstrong Park mentioned in the previous paragraph so long as said funds shall last, after which the city of Grain Valley shall see that said park is maintained from year to year.” Shortly after her death, the Grain Valley R-5 School District acquired the north 10 acres by eminent domain. The district used the property as a football stadium and land to park school buses. The house was used as a kindergarten and an administration building. When the current high school was built, the football stadium relocated, and administrative offices moved back to the 1925 building. The old Armstrong house was torn down and replaced by State Bank of Missouri. The Grain Valley park board was

established in September 1971 to plan and administer the new park. The park opened in 1974. Miss Lizzie would be happy to know her park not only has a gazebo for

community events and many recreation options, but also a Community Center and swimming pool, City Hall and Grain Valley Police Department!

Patrick Mahomes has established a new NFL record by throwing 13 touchdown passes through the first three games of this season. This eclipses the likes of Peyton Manning who had thrown 12 touchdown passes previously in 2013 through three games. Mahomes’ arm talent and his ability to throw seam passes are key reasons for his early success. The Chiefs quarterback has previously appeared on NFL Total Access showing off his cannon of a right arm. He successfully threw the football sixty-two miles per hour on television being clocked by a radar gun. It came on his third and final throw while competing against former NFL quarterback David Carr. Sixty-two miles per hour may sound like the average speed of a fastball thrown by ten-year-old in pee-wee baseball. However, the official dimensions of an NFL football are eleven inches in length and twenty-two inches in circumference, so this is no easy throw. Another separating factor in talent since Mahomes entered the league is his ability to read and throw the seam pass. Just like the seam on a pair of pants, the figurative seam in football is a straight vertical line down the field

that requires a defense to gain depth quickly to defend. This route may be run by a receiver, a tight end, a running back, etc. The Chiefs have had success running seam routes against opponents in three by one sets (trips), two by two sets (quads), and out of empty (five wide receivers) spread formations. This becomes apparent when you go back and look at Mahomes’ first start during week seventeen last year against the Broncos. His first NFL completion went to tight end Demetrius Harris on a seam pass down the right side good for fifty-one yards (thirty through the air). The seam pass by Mahomes showed up week one of this season on long completions to wide receiver Tyreek Hill against the Chargers. The Pittsburgh Steelers were victims of the seam pass in week two as well. Mahomes was successful with this route for touchdown completions to wide receiver Chris Conley and tight end Travis Kelce. Mahomes was at it again last week in the Chiefs win against the 49ers completing a seam route for a touchdown to Demetrius Harris. You must possess tremendous arm strength and accuracy to throw the

seam route with success. This is due to a defender (a linebacker, cornerback, or safety) typically diagnosing the route and flipping his hips to run with the receiver in tight proximity. This usually leaves a small window for a completion. A quarterback throws a seam route with little or minimal arc. It’s different than a fade or go route where air is typically put under the ball to give the receiver a chance to run underneath the ball in beating the defender. One could argue that the seam route is a true definer of arm talent for a quarterback. The fifteen yard out route to a receiver thrown by a quarterback from the far hash is the one that typically gets the most attention at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis every spring. However, it is hard to simulate the seam route under contested conditions at a workout. The seam route makes defensive coordinators nervous. Commit eight men to the line of scrimmage, and you can typically slow down a running attack by an offense. Bracket a receiver by putting a cornerback and safety on them, and you can remove them from an offensive attack. Blitz with pressure to attack a quarterback standing tall in the pocket

and you can disrupt the offense’s timing. Encounter a quarterback who has the arm talent to throw a seam pass and you’re in trouble. He can beat cover two coverage by throwing over the middle linebacker. Get caught in cover three while the offense is running four seam routes, and one receiver will be open. Bring pressure while the quarterback is in shotgun, and the seam route is a quick release pass leaving the defense vulnerable. Mahomes’ ability to throw the seam route is uncanny. It leaves me trying to remember the last quarterback who entered the league with his ability to successfully complete this route. I am still struggling to find a comparison. The NFL will eventually find an answer to Mahomes and the seam route conundrum. Until then, Mahomes will likely keep setting records.

Mahomes Creates Conundrum for Defenses by John Unrein

GVHS Week In Review

Page 8 Sports

Grain Valley Soccer won 5-4 in PKs over Raytown South on September 25th, claiming a 2-1 Suburban Small Seven win. Varsity next plays at Belton on September 28th at 4:00pm.

Football Varsity Football improved to 3-2, beating Winnetonka 28-6 at North Kansas City stadium on September 21st.

Swimming Boys Varsity came in 4th at the Blue Springs South Meet on September 25th. Jase Tipton had a personal record in the 100 yard backstroke at 1:26.25.

Girls Softball Varsity earned a 3rd place finish in the Liberty North Tournament.

Girls Golf Laney Rose, Shelby Kimbrough, and Taylor Hileman earned all conference honors on September 24th.

Girls Tennis Varsity played Grandview on Tuesday, September 25th coming away with another win. Their final home match is at 4:00pm on 9/27.

Swimming: Boys Varsity Meet GVHS vs. BS, @ Centennial Pool Complex, 9/28 @ 4:00pm

Soccer: Boys Varsity Tournament GVHS vs. Belton @ Belton HS, 9/28 @ 4:00pm

Football: Varsity vs. Raytown @GVHS 9/28 @ 7:00pm

Cross Country: GV Invitational @ Grain Valley North Middle School 9/29 @ 8:30am

Volleyball: Girls Varsity Tournament @ Carl Junction, 9/29 @ 9:00am

Softball: Varsity Game (Senior Night) @GVHS vs. Raytown South 10/1 @ 6:00pm

Golf: Girls Varsity @ Fred Arbanas Golf Course 10/2 @ 9:00am

Softball: Varsity Game GVHS vs. Smithville, @ Smithville. 9/117 @ 5:00pm

Tennis: Girls Varsity @GVHS vs. TBA 10/2 @ 4:00pm

Swimming: Boys Varsity Meet vs. William Chrisman 10/3 @ 4:00pm

Soccer: Boys Varsity Game GVHS vs. Blue Springs @ GVHS, 10/3 @ 6:30pm

Volleyball: Girls Varsity Game @ Kearney, 10/4 @ 7:00pm

The Week Ahead

Community Calendar September 28, 2018 Grain Valley Partnership 2nd Annual Golf Classic Shotgun start at 8:00am www.growgrainvalley.org October 1, 2018 Book Group 6:30pm—7:30pm Mid-Continent Public Library— Grain Valley Branch http://www.mymcpl.com/events October 3, 2018 Senior Citizens’ Luncheon 11:30am—1:00pm Grain Valley Community Center, 713 S Main ST Call 816-847-6293 to RSVP. October 3, 2018 and October 4, 2018 Storytime for Families 10:00am—10:30am Mid-Continent Public Library— Grain Valley Branch http://www.mymcpl.com/events October 4, 2018 Shooting Stars and Meteor Showers 6:30pm Mid-Continent Public Library— Grain Valley Branch http://www.mymcpl.com/events October 8, 2018 Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall October 9, 2018 Beaded Jack-O-Lantern 6:30pm—8:00pm Mid-Continent Public Library— Grain Valley Branch http://www.mymcpl.com/events October 10, 2018 Senior Expo 11:30am—2:30pm Grain Valley Community Center 713 S Main ST Free lunch, health screenings, giveaways October 10, 2018 Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting 6:30pm Grain Valley City Hall October 10, 2018 Homecoming Community Pep Rally 7:00pm—8:00pm Moody Murry Community Field Grain Valley High School

October 12, 2018 GVHS Alumni Breakfast 8:30am—10:00am Grain Valley High School October 13, 2018 Now Playing for Kids: Goosebumps 2:00pm—4:00pm Mid-Continent Public Library— Grain Valley Branch http://www.mymcpl.com/events October 20, 2018 Household Hazardous Waste Mobile Collection Event 8:00am—Noon Jackson County Public Works 34900 E Old US Hwy 40, Oak Grove October 22, 2018 Board of Aldermen Meeting 7:00pm Grain Valley City Hall October 26, 2018 Trail or Treat 6:30pm—8:30pm Butterfly Trail, Grain Valley Trail or Treat is fun for the whole family! Kids dress in costume and travel Butterfly Trail to get treats from more than 30 local businesses, churches, and organizations. FREE event. October 27, 2018 On the Move 5K Against Hunger William Bryant Elementary 8:00am 1101 SE Sunnyside School Rd Blue Springs, MO https://runsignup.com/OntheMoveAgainstHunger October 27, 2018 Shredding Event at City Hall 9:00am—Noon Shredding event available only to Grain Valley residents or those who work in Grain Valley (proof of residency or work address required). Bring up to three bags or boxes for secure disposal. Event sponsored by Shred It and brought to you by the Grain Valley Police Department. October 27, 2018 National Drug Take Back Day 10:00am—2:00pm City Hall Parking Lot, 711 Main Street All are welcome to this free event to safely dispose of prescription and over the counter medications No syringes will be accepted. Post your group’s community event online at www.grainvalleynews.com.

The City of Grain Valley is now hiring for a Police Clerk.

Apply online at: https://www.cityofgrainvalley.org/employment/.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Place your employment ads with Valley News and recruit quality talent right in your community. Classified advertising is only $5 for 20 words (additional words are $.25 each), and includes social media promotion.

Contact news@grainvalleynews.com to place your ad.

Have a story to share? A celebration (engagement, graduation, wedding, anniversary)? Submit your news to news@grainvalleynews.com.