Jags' Big 7 streak snapped

By Jake Singleton
The Journal Staff

For three seasons, the Blue Springs South boys tennis team hadn't lost a Suburban Big Seven conference match.
But on Tuesday, when the Jaguars traveled to North Kansas City to face the Hornets, the conference-winning streak was ended as they lost 5-4.
South won the first three singles matches with No. 1 single Zach Kaltenbach, No. 2 single Caleb Jeff and No. 3 single Steve Bodenheimer picking up wins.
The Jaguars, who opened up the season with a 5-4 home win over conference opponent Liberty, dropped to 1-1 overall and 1-1 in conference.

Wildcats fall to Oak Park

After edging out Park Hill South 5-4 on Monday, the Blue Springs boys tennis team suffered an 8-1 Suburban Big Seven loss to Oak Park and fell to 2-1 overall and 0-1 conference.Chase Gilgour and John Stigall picked up the Wildcats' lone win against the Blue Jays. Ryan Paxton won at No. 1 singles against Park Hill South and Stigall won at No. 6 singles. Gilgour and Stigall combined for a win at No. 2 doubles, as Christian Andrick and Corey O'Neil won at No. 3 doubles.

Frosty Greens

By Jake Singleton
The Journal Staff

Blue Springs South boys golf head coach Mike McGown didn't have many words of comfort for his team to help them endure the cold temperatures and winds on Monday.
"It was miserable out there," said McGown as the Klint Andrew Invitational was post-poned 30 minutes to allow the greens at Fred Arbansas Golf Course to defrost. "I just tried to tell them not to let the weather upset them and let them know that everyone was in the same boat."
And with warm thoughts in their minds, the Jaguars finished fifth (333) in the 20-team tournament. Ty Thorp and John Sievers led South with rounds of 82, while Cody House shot an 84. Tyler Brown finished with an 85, and Drew Morrison shot a round of 87.
Blue Springs boys golf head coach Tom Round also wondered how his team would fare in the cold and windy climate.
"I think everyone was a little uncertain as to how their team would play due to the terrible spring we have had and then the very difficult conditions on Monday," Round said.
But Round's uncertainty did a quick turn-around as the Wildcats had three medallists and finished second in a scorecard playoff to Park Hill South as both teams shot a 323.
"I was pleased with the fact that we had four scores kind of clustered together around the top 10 to 15," Round said. "Anytime you do that, you have a chance to finish well team-wise."
Blue Springs' Ryan Clark finished in a three-way tie for third with a round of 79, Ben Hoog finished tied for sixth with a round of 80 and John Nance finished in a three-way tie for 10th with a round of 81.
"Ryan (Clark) played very well," Round said. "He ended up making a birdie on 18, which was a very difficult hole back into the wind."
Kyle Yancik and Tyler Hammontree rounded out Blue Springs' scoring with round of 83 and 93, respectively.
Blue Springs defeated Park Hill 151-166 on Tuesday. Yanick was the medalist with a round of 35 in the nine-hole dual at Blue Springs Country Club.

Fireballer

By Jake Singleton
The Journal Staff

As the weather got colder, Blue Springs South senior pitcher Kellen Bartlett got hotter.
With temperatures below 30 and a 15 mph eastern wind blowing over Legacy Park on Wednesday as the Jaguars faced Lee's Summit, South's senior fireballer brought the heat in the 11-0 win over the Tigers.
Bartlett struck out 14, hit one batter, walked another and gave up one hit in six innings of work to record the win and move South to a 4-0 start.
But Bartlett wasn't just hot on the mound.
After three scoreless innings, Bartlett fired up the Jaguar's offense in the top of the fourth inning as his RBI double scored South's Jeff Lusardi, who singled then advanced to second on a Tiger error, to give the Jaguars a 1-0 lead.
And while one run would have done it, South added more.
The Jaguars went up 3-0 in the fifth off two walks and an RBI double by South's Ross Taylor. After Lee's Summit head coach James Mellody choice to intentionally walk Lusardi to put runners on first and second with one out, he replaced starting freshman pitcher Corbin Berkstresser with Nick Martin to face Bartlett.
Three straight wild pitches by Martin allowed Taylor to score, making it 4-0 and a fourth ball put Bartlett on, giving South runners on first and third with one out.
Mellody again made a pitching changing, going to Matt Norris. But Norris didn't fare any better.
After getting South's Robbie Payton to fly out for the second out of the inning, Martin gave up a two out, RBI single to South's Danny McMartrey that put the Jaguars up 5-0 after five.
While Bartlett continued to mow down the Tigers at the plate, the Jaguars offense continued to stay hot.
South tacked on three more runs off three hits and a walk to take an 8-0 lead in the sixth inning. South's Logan Moon led off the sixth with a triple, Austin Rodriguez drove Moon in with an RBI single and Bartlett and Payton added RBI singles.
In the top of the seventh, the Tigers turned to their fourth pitcher, Shaun Lauderback. But the results were the same.
Lauderback walked the first three batters he faced, gave up a single to Riley Reynolds, then walked in a run with a free pass to Taylor, making it 9-0. Lusardi's sacrifice fly made it 10-0 as Bartlett, who went 3-4 with three RBI, finished South's scoring with an RBI single.
On Monday, South defeated Lee's Summit West 14-3 after trailing the Titans 3-0 going into the bottom of the second. The Jaguars cranked out 13 hits against West, including six doubles and two home runs.
Wildcats walk-off with win over Tigers
The Blue Springs baseball team walked off with a 5-4, eight-inning win over Lee's Summit on Monday.
After failing behind the Tigers 4-0 in the top of the third, the Wildcats tied the game 4-4 with two runs in the fifth and sixth innings. And after a scoreless seventh, Blue Springs' Chris Guffey ended the game in the eighth inning with a walk-off home run.

Expand storage space with an outdoor shed

By Alan J. Heavens
The Philadelphia Inquirer (MCT)

Where do you store your lawn mower, your gardening implements and other tools? If the answer is the garage or the basement, odds are your gear is hard to get to or tough to find when you need it.
An outdoor storage shed might be just the ticket - if you have the room.
Need to know: Whether your town has zoning rules about sheds. The information generally is available from municipal building departments. But even if there are no rules, consider your neighbors. Nothing creates ill will as quickly as a shed that blocks sunlight to the garden of the folks next door.
- Shabby isn't chic: If the shed looks shabby, it will make your yard look that way, too. If you're not willing to pay a bit more for quality, you might as well keep your equipment where it is. Typically, the difference between attractive and ugly is only a few hundred dollars. And remember, an outdoor shed is an investment in your property, like a kitchen or a powder room - you don't want to create a stumbling block to a quick and profitable sale in the future.
Sheds made of cedar siding are the most expensive, followed by those made of vinyl. Whichever you choose, the shed's design should complement the style of your house. If you live in a 1950s airlight rowhouse in Northeast Philadelphia, a Victorian-style shed will be more than jarring to the eye.
- Too cute: You don't want the shed to look too precious either - it's a utility structure, not a dollhouse. So skip the porch feature unless there's a critical need for a place where you and your lawn mower can get out of the sun.
What will it cost? Be ready to spend a minimum of $350 on a shed. Good quality and good looks can be yours for about $2,000.
- Material world: Some people consider metal sheds ugly, but one made of aluminum will hold up a long time. Steel tends to rust quickly, although some is coated to reduce, though not avoid, corrosion.
- Wood sheds - especially cedar - look better, so there are more of them available. They aren't fireproof, though, and are subject to mold and rot, so they need regular maintenance. Squirrels and other rodents can easily chew through wood, too. Cedar sheds should be recoated with a special sealer/preservative every other year to protect them from ultraviolet solar radiation.
Vinyl may not be everyone's cup of tea, but sheds made of it pretty much last forever and require little maintenance, except for an occasional power-washing to remove mildew in shaded locations. Unlike metal, vinyl doesn't dent or ding and seems to withstand extremes of weather, especially moisture, very well.
- Size matters: Make sure the shed you buy will accommodate your equipment. If you have a ride-on mower, you'll need to have an extra-large shed, so the machine can get in and out easily. If you have a regular-size mower, make sure what you store is organized carefully, so you can get everything else in and out. Consider shelves to hold pots and materials, hooks for rakes, shovels, etc., and a ramp and extra-wide doors.
- Firm foundation: Check with the manufacturer first, but sheds are typically placed on cinder blocks, concrete piers, a concrete slab, or crushed stone. Supports for the structure are usually made of pressure-treated wood.
- Room to grow: As you've learned with your garage and basement, there is never enough room - hence the need for a shed in the first place. But even a shed can be expanded with plastic add-ons costing a couple of hundred dollars. Check for them at the local home center.

(c) 2008, The Philadelphia Inquirer

Climbing roses add a unique vertical element

By Norman Winter
McClatchy-Tribune News Service (MCT)

Climbing plants really add a vertical dimension to the landscape. Adding this new element to a garden causes a transformation that almost no other type of plant can accomplish.
Climbing roses are seeing an upswing in popularity for this very reason. One of my favorites is New Dawn, which certainly is not new. It originated from the variety Dr. W. Van Fleet in 1930, but New Dawn is a repeat bloomer. In a way, it seems new since many gardeners are just now discovering this terrific large-flowered climber.
Another climber that is riding a wave of popularity is Peggy Martin. This historic rose garnered nationwide attention by surviving 20 feet of salt water during Katrina's onslaught. It has gained attention among gardeners and rose lovers as a persevering plant. It reflects a spirit of renewal and hope in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina's devastating blow against those living and gardening in the Gulf Coast area. Since then, several large nurseries have introduced it for sale.
Bill Welch, author of "Antique Roses for the South" says, "Growers are generously donating $1 per plant to the Greater Houston Community Foundation, with the purpose of assisting in the task of garden restoration projects in New Orleans, Beaumont and other Gulf Coast locations. With its good looks and healthy vigor, the 'Peggy Martin Rose' is well on its way to becoming a classic garden mainstay for those wanting a mannerly climber that is thornless, with abundant pink clusters of small flowers. After it has become established, it re-blooms in the fall when the hot temperatures moderate."
Another must-have to consider is the Lady Banks rose. It is at the top of my list because it is among the most disease-resistant roses we can grow. You will probably never see blackspot or powdery mildew on this rose. It is also among the most drought-tolerant roses, able to withstand extended drought.
If you have ever tangled with a rose bush, you may feel as though you were on the losing end of a fight with a bobcat. You will never feel that way with Lady Banks because like the Peggy Martin, it is thornless.
The Lady Banks, or Rosa banksiae normalis, has been in cultivation since 1796. An improved double-flowered white form, Rosa banksiae banksiae, was found in 1807. Then in 1824 the double-yellow form, Rosa banksiae lutescens, was discovered.
The white-flowered forms have more fragrance than the yellow, but the yellow has become the most popular. To call this a large, spreading rose may be an understatement.
The largest rose bush in the world is a Lady Banks in Tombstone, Ariz. It covers more than 8,000 square feet. Because of its spreading nature, you will want to manage this rose. The Lady Banks is a long-lived rose; the one in Arizona was planted in 1855.
All varieties of climbing roses produce long canes and require some support to hold plants up off the ground. They don't really climb by themselves but must be tied or trained to the trellis, wall, fence or arbor. Climbing roses can be used on sloping banks to aid in holding soil. Climbers, like bush roses, are grouped into several types with much overlapping among types. Most rose nurseries list ramblers, large-flower climbers, ever-blooming hybrid teas, climbing polyanthas, climbing floribundas and trailing roses.
So why not try to "grow up" this year on a trellis, arbor or fence with a climbing rose?

(c) 2008, McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

Teenage std prevention

Dear Editor:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced this week that more than one in four teenage girls in the U.S. has a sexually transmitted disease. HPV, which is a virus associated with cervical cancer, was the most common STD infecting more than 18 percent of our young women and putting them at an increased risk of cancer.
There is a safe and simple vaccine that can prevent the most common strains of HPV. Thanks to a grant from the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City and the REACH Healthcare Foundation, women ages nine to 26 can receive this vaccine for free at 33 clinics and health departments throughout the metro area. Those interested can call United Way 211 at 816-474-5112 or visit www.mohpv.org to find a location near you.
As a doctor, as a woman and, most importantly, as a mother, I encourage all parents and young women to learn more about this life-saving vaccine.


Dr. Bridget McCandlessJackson County Free Health Clinic

Going 'all in' for Easter

Commentary by Charles Payne
Special to the Journal

Being an opinion writer I generally admire the skills of editors in putting together content for publication day after day. Sometimes I wonder how to keep things interesting on a weekly basis. But, the Shroud of Turin item recently on MSNBC is about as bad as old Charlton Heston movies. The Shroud issue was supposedly put to rest 20 years ago and everything indicates the Shroud is a fake. Now a fellow who for some reason wants to believe in the Shroud or make money brings the issue up and it makes the news for Easter 2008.
Who in Christendom would want to risk finding out the truth? Both the truth and reality can be hard to take. Sometimes something less is substituted for both.
Life is a gamble. There are times and situations where even though part of you doubts the outcome you have to bluff, call or say "all in." Winning is your hope, but losing may hurt you and others. Truth in a poker game is random and the players help decide the truth. Life is a gamble.
Consider in this time of Easter all you know about the Shroud of Turin. If it is the actual Shroud wrapped around Jesus when he was removed from the cross, it becomes a piece of hard evidence for the Christian religion and the event of the crucifixion. It's a potentially wonderful outcome, but the stakes are very high.
Mike Celizic wrote an MSNBC item on March 21, 2008 about why Barrie Schwortz, a photographer present when the Shroud was first examined, thinks the Shroud is authentic. Some of Schwortz's arguments seem plausible. Science has improved, not just in dating antiquities, but also in knowledge of DNA evidence. It just might be possible that the Shroud bears the image of Jesus.
So all Christians who search for and desire truth and meaning in their lives should press for the authorities in Turin to release the Shroud for complete scientific study and subject the results to extensive peer verification. This would be an "all in" decision. Turin might lose a little or gain a lot, but even a fake shroud would still be a draw. The consequences of the bet could be much more far reaching. What we have believed about Christianity could be on the line.
Dating the cloth to the time of Christ adds to its authenticity but does not prove that it was used to wrap the body of Jesus. The gamble exists in what any DNA evidence might establish. If you are a Christian, would you take the gamble and say "all in?" The rewards would be spectacular, but losing the bet might be crushing.
Consider the possible outcomes if the dating issue is overcome. The DNA could be inexplicably blank or it could only show that of a mother and then be blank because God's DNA is an unknown. This would support the virgin birth of Christ and would be an extraordinary revelation. Extreme care would have to be taken that missing DNA was not caused by some outside factor.
Conventional analysis showed the blood on the Shroud was apparently from a man. This could indicate the DNA is conventional. The DNA could show the transfer of a Y chromosome and thus indicate that the image had a father of this earth. Then the Shroud could be repudiated unless something unknown links it to the actual crucifixion and Mary's DNA becomes known. Is there evidence that is yet unknown or hidden somewhere?
Apparently the Catholic Church does not believe the Shroud is real. Whether a link to the actual crucifixion can ever be found does not appear likely but science keeps advancing. If a link is found, think what changes would happen if the image is of Jesus and the DNA proves he had an earthly father.
The Muslim view is also that Jesus, a messenger from God, was born to the Virgin Mary (www.soundvision.com/Info/Jesus/inIslam.asp).
What would Christians do if scientific evidence indicated Jesus had an earthly father? A few might lose their faith but, more likely, most would react as Muslims would and simply say that God is all powerful and can do whatever he likes including violating what we perceive to be natural law. In other words, God made the DNA appear to show there was an earthly father of Jesus. Perhaps this would be yet another test of faith. Thus the scientific analysis of the Shroud of Turin would only be relevant if it proved Christian beliefs.
The problem in this mystery is that God is known as a God of truth. So why would deviation from the truths mankind knows and is still finding be necessary? Perhaps the Shroud of Turin is just a few cards toward a possible inside straight. So what if Jesus was an important man with a father of this Earth. Would his teachings be any less important? Is it time to fold or say all in? Or will we have to wait until next Easter for another story on the Shroud of Turin?

Charles Payne, a Lee's Summit resident, is a guest columnist for the Journal. To respond to today's commentary, call the Journal's Rant & Rave line at 816-282-7020, or send comments via the Internet at www.lsjournal.com or to raven1939@netzero.com.

Sandwiches - New York style

By Miranda Wycoff
The Journal Staff

For one reason or another, the food business has always interested Blue Springs business owner Chris Mancini.
Even after a career as a Grain Valley police officer for seven years, Mancini felt the business calling his name.
"I've always wanted to open my own business," Mancini said. "I've always liked this stuff."
In high school Mancini worked in the restaurant business and, after graduation, he said he participated in the Jackson County Chef's Apprenticeship program.
Years later, Mancini's brother owned and operated a few restaurants in the Mr. Goodcents chain. His brother has since sold the stores - but that's what revived Mancini's interest in the restaurant business.
So after careful consideration of different franchises and what the Blue Springs area was missing as far as food businesses, Mancini found the New York NY Fresh Deli.
"This was the closest franchise to what I wanted to do," he said.
And what interested him most was a sandwich shop with a "fast-casual" style.
"I've always liked the concept that Panera Bread had," Mancini said. "The nicer, but casual places. Customers can come in and be relaxed and get taken care of. You get a little moreout of it than fast food."
So, in November 2007, Mancini opened New York NY Fresh Deli at 719 N. Missouri 7 in Blue Springs.
"I grew up in Independence, been living in Blue Springs and have been a cop in Grain Valley for seven years," Mancini said. "(The deli) was something Blue Springs needed."
But don't mistake New York NY for a Subway-style sandwich shop. Mancini said its much more than that.
"It's a little more service-oriented," he said.
The customers come in and place their order at the register like a typical fast-food restaurant - but that's where the similarities end.
"We take it from there," Mancini said.
While the customers go and sit down, Mancini and his crew at New York NY are hard at work.
"We make the sandwich fresh right there," he said. "We steam the meats so the cheese is melted, nothing is pre-made. It takes us a little longer to get the sandwich out, but its made fresh to order."
And although the deli has only been open in Blue Springs for a few months, Mancini said customers are already claiming some sandwiches as the best in town.
"Word's getting around about our Rueben," Mancini said. "And we have some of the best corned beef in town."
He said 30 to 40 percent of all the sales at New York NY are from the Rueben.
Other popular sandwiches is the Bronc's Bomber - made with corned beef and pastrami - and the Tuscan Chicken Panini.
"We've been getting a lot of good response from Blue Springs," Mancini said. "It took a while for people to realize we weren't a Subway, but once that started happening, we've gotten a lot of good, positive feedback."
For more information on the New York NY Fresh Deli, call 816-229-4449 or visit the corporate Web site at www.newyorknyfreshdeli.com.

Candidates struggle to find balance

By Russ Pulley
Special to the Journal

A major issue emerging in Blue Springs City Council races - again - is multi-family housing.
It was a campaign theme last year for Sheila Solon and Lyle Shaver, who won their first terms on the Council. The battle over who will control development of new housing in Blue Springs is showing up in candidate forums, editorials, letters, and Web sites.
In the mayor's race, Carson Ross is blasting his opponent, contending that Jeff Quibell has been part of a trend toward construction of too much multi-family housing, without a critical eye for quality.
The city shouldn't have approved the "barracks" on Adams Dairy Parkway, Ross said.
Quibell says he thinks the city has an acceptable balance of multi-family housing, but needs to be mindful as future projects are considered. He said the town homes like those on the parkway are important housing for residents who will later move up to more expensive homes.
Ross is endorsing Emil Spears and Ron Fowler, while staying neutral on the District 1 race between Ted Anderson and Jeanie Lauer. Quibell said he's philosophically more aligned with Kent Edmondson, Ken Billups Jr. and Lauer.
The nuts-and-bolts of the debate are complex, but at their core lies the question of how Blue Springs, as a booming Kansas City suburb, apportions its housing stock, the majority of which is single-family.
Multifamily zoning, by contrast, can result in apartments or in attached housing that is both owner-occupied and rental.
Candidates more accepting of additional multi-family say it will be needed for baby boomers or young professionals who want owner-occupied units that don't have yards to maintain.
Critics counter those town homes - also known as row houses - could be leased, and there are concerns that too many rental properties could affect overall property values and quality of life. Ross and his supporters point to projects where the Council was told the units would be owner-occupied but now are being leased, such as controversial units on Adams Dairy Parkway.
Currently, Blue Springs is nearly 73 percent single-family homes, while an October study by city staff showed that if all projects now approved are completed, the trend could take Blue Springs to just under 70 percent multi-family.
By comparison, Overland Park in July 2007 was 39.4 percent multi-family, according to a city report.
Since 2000, Blue Springs has been adding multi-family dwellings at a rate of about two units to each single-family home.
That pace is unacceptable to Ross and his supporters.
Many residents agree: A recent city survey showed that 72 percent of respondents think construction of multi-family housing is going "too fast" or "much too fast."
Quibell, however, says that statistic alone doesn't mean Blue Springs is destined to become a problem-ridden community. He contends that the additional construction has increased the overall balance by a single percentage point, from 26.5 percent multi-family units to 27.5 percent.

Blue Springs EDC teams up with area counterparts for business seminar

By Miranda Wycoff
The Journal Staff

The Blue Springs, Lee's Summit, Grain Valley, Grandview and Independence Economic Development Councils will join forces to sponsor an informative seminar on state and local incentives to help bolster business in Eastern Jackson County.
The program will focus on resources for companies in the manufacturing, warehouse distribution, office, high-tech and medical-life science industries according to EDC information.
The workshop will be on April 1 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Hilton Garden Inn in Independence.
Jim Devine, president and CEO of the Lee's Summit Economic Development Council, said the regional EDCs are working collaboratively so that area companies will have the opportunity to learn how to use the state's economic development incentive programs.
Devine said the LSEDC played an important role in organizing and publicizing the event.
The seminar is free and will feature Mike Downing, co-director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development Division, according to the event's news release.
Downing will discuss the availability of tax, finance and training incentives available to eastern Jackson County companies. He also will detail state incentive programs and discuss how to qualify and apply for them. Additional topics of discussion will include how to utilize state funds to train new employees and improve productivity of current employees from Andrew Filla and Stan Fields, administrators of the workforce training program with the Metropolitan Community College Business and Technology Campus, and Skip James, from the Missouri Career Center.
Chris Guiterrez, president of KC Smart Port, will discuss the new certification training program for distribution employees.
And Tim Cowden of the Kansas City Area Economic Development Council will moderate as panelists from area cities discuss local incentives and answer questions. Panelists include Eric Johnson, city manager of Blue Springs, Gary Bradley, city administrator of Grain Valley, Alan Kenyon, economic development director for the city of Grandview, Robert Heacock, city manager of Independence, and Greg Foss, director of development with the city of Lee's Summit.
"We invite companies in these target industries to take advantage of this opportunity to learn about the business tools available to them directly from the experts who manage the incentive programs," said Teresa Evans, vice president of the Lee's Summit Economic Development Council. "By partnering with other economic development organizations in Eastern Jackson County, our collective goal is to grow business for the entire region in the face of increased competition."
Devine said he also will be talking about the Eastern Jackson County Workforce Training Corsortium, a training seminar for companies in Eastern Jackson County.
To attend this event, register by visiting https://www.123signup.com/servlet/SignUpMember?PG=1520554182300&P=1520554191156613800.
For more information or questions about this event, contact the Lee's Summit Economic Development Council by visiting its Web site at www.leessummit.org or call 816-525-6617.

Cheerleader earns chance to perform at Pro Bowl

By Brett Dalton
The Journal Staff

What started as a "fun little hobby" has given a local teen the chance to take the trip of a lifetime.
Amber Moody, 13, of Lee's Summit was recently chosen as one of three girls to represent the GAGE Silver Dragons cheerleading team at the 2009 NFL Pro Bowl in Hawaii as part of the All American Cheer and Dance Pro Bowl Performance tour. Moody, who has been cheering since she was five years old, is in her first year with the Blue Springs-based Silver Dragons team.
A seventh-grade student at Pleasant Lea Middle School, Moody earned her chance to perform at the Pro Bowl at a national cheerleading competition that took place in Kansas City in December 2007.
When her name was called as one of the three girls chosen, Moody said her first reaction was disbelief.
"I wasn't really expecting it," she said. "It just kind of happened. They called the first two girls' name and then they called me. I was like, 'What?' I couldn't believe it."
However, in order for Moody to take advantage of this opportunity, she must raise a significant amount of money. According to AACD information, the cost of a doubles package - Moody and one parent or guardian - is a little more than $2,000. That cost does not include airfare and meals.
To help secure sufficient funds, Moody is currently seeking out sponsors and donations. She said her parents are talking with various businesses, as well as friends and family to try to raise the money.
Moody said raising the money and being able to perform in Hawaii would "mean so much" to her, especially because she's missed out on other opportunities due to lack of funds. Debbie Moody, Amber's mother, said her daughter has been nominated four times to travel with the People To People Student Ambassador Program, but lack of funds prevented her from going each time.
"I've been nominated to go to Australia," Amber said. "I've been nominated to go meet the president. But I couldn't ever go because I didn't have any sponsors and didn't have the money."
And being able to make the trip to Hawaii would mean more than simply having the chance to cheer in front of professional athletes and thousands of fans. According to AACD information, more than $37,000 worth of scholarships are awarded each year at the event - money Amber said would come in handy for her future plans.
"I plan to go to Harvard after high school," she said. "I want to be a lawyer."
Amber, who has cheered with various youth cheerleading teams in Lee's Summit, said she became interested in the sport of cheerleading at a young age for various reasons.
"I just loved the outfits and all the excitement," she said. "Plus, I was super hyper as a child but I didn't have any place to put it - so I put it in cheerleading."
Debbie Moody said anyone who would like to donate to Amber's Hawaii fund can call her at 816-853-5670 or send donations to her home at 111 S.W. Walnut St., Lee's Summit, MO 64063.
Moody's teammates who also earned a trip to Hawaii are Michelle Reddle and Katelyn Tormena.

Vehicle crashes into Blue Springs home

By Brett Dalton
The Journal Staff

Earlier this week, a Blue Springs woman was sent to the hospital with serious injuries after losing control of her van and slamming into a house.
The accident occurred in the afternoon hours of Tuesday, March 25. Cindy L. Burton, 38, was driving northbound on Fifth Street in Blue Springs when she lost control of her van, ran through a T-intersection and smashed into a home at 421 Keystone Drive.
Nobody was in the home at the time of the crash and Burton, who was alone in the vehicle, was the only person injured in the incident, according to Jeremy Dickstein, officer in the investigations unit of the Blue Springs Police Department.
Dickstein said it's unknown what caused Burton to lose control of her vehicle. However, he said Burton's husband told police Cindy Burton has had medical issues in the past that caused her to have seizures. Dickstein said it's possible Burton had a seizure while driving, causing her to lose control.
"We're not ruling that out as a possibility," he said.
Burton's van ran into the siding and brick veneer of the home, which reportedly sits at the bottom of a hill. Brian and Dena Rinehart live in the home that was struck, however they could not be reached by the Journal as of press time.
Dena Rinehart told a local television news station Tuesday's incident was the first time a vehicle has came in contact with their home.
"We've never had any problems," Rinehart said, according to KCTV 5's Web site, "(but) the people next door, not even a month ago, had a car go into a tree. They come down the hill pretty fast."
Details of the extent of the damage to the home were not available as of press time. Police also aren't sure how fast Burton's van was traveling when it hit the home.Dickstein said police are treating the incident as a traffic accident and not a criminal offense. Burton was flown by helicopter to an area hospital after the crash.

Fast Start|Blue Springs boys and girls track and field teams begin season at UCM relays.

By Jake Singleton
The Journal Staff
It was a good beginning to the season for the Blue Springs boys track and field team on Monday at the University of Central Missouri relays.Wildcat sophomore Jordan Dodd and senior Evan McCray finished second and third, respectively, in the 400-meter dash. Dodd's time of 51.08 and McCray's time of 51.96 were only bettered by Raytown South's Maurice Mitchell's meet-record time of 48.88. McCray earned all-state honors last year in the 400.Blue Springs senior Derwin Hall finished fourth in the 55 meter dash (6.68) and Dustin Burleson finished fifth (8.16) in the 55 meter hurdles. Junior Drew Matthews finished third in the 800 (2:08.20) and senior Philip Hickman took fourth in the one-mile (4:50.52).The Wildcats' defending state champion 1,600 relay team, which consisted of senior returners Carlos Anderson, Donnie Prather and McCray, took second (3:35.20) to Kansas City Central (3:33.80)."We hope to defend our district championship and will be in hot pursuit of a (Suburban Big Seven) conference championship," said Wildcat first-year head coach Joseph Cusack. "If we can get through the season healthy, we believe it could be a good one."While the district championship boys got off to a good start, the Blue Springs girls track and field team, who finished with the school's highest ever state placement last year finishing third, found out what life is like without last year's core."We lost a lot of talent with Bridget Kleine, Trista Elmore and Caitlin Laskowski graduating," said Wildcat head coach Jennifer Reeder. "I believe we were so successful last year because of the core of our team was so strong. Our theme this year is, 'Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success.'"The Wildcats had four top-five individual finishes at the University of Central Missouri Relays and one top-two finish in the relays.The Wildcats' Mauri Lane took third in the 55 meter run (7.55), Melissa Fuerst finished second in the one-mile (5:40.15), Gabby Lovelace took fifth in the high jump (4-feet-8 inches) and Allison Harold finished fifth in the long jump (13-3.5)."Lane really made some noise at the state level last year and I expect her to use that experience to show the other girls on the team that hard work and persistence does pay off," Reeder said. "I look forward to Fuerst being successful in the distance events and to keep the standard high where Caitlin left it last year."Blue Springs' 800 relay team, which won state last year with Lane and Brittany Thomas returning, finished second (1:51.10) to Raytown South (1:49.70), as Trista Elmore and Bridget Kleine filled the other two voids on the team. The Wildcats also finished sixth in the 1,600 relay (4:34.60).Blue Springs' Frances Veneble cleared 7-6 in the pole vault to finish eighth and round out the Wildcats' top-10 finishes.

Ready and Kicking

By Jake Singleton
The Journal Staff
The Blue Springs South girls soccer team, which finished second in the Suburban Big Seven (9-3), upset St. Teresa's Academy 2-0 to win the Class 2 District 15 championship and ended the season 13-7 with a 3-1 loss to Liberty in the sectional qualifier, will miss the four senior starters they lost to graduation."We graduated four outstanding senior leaders last year," said Jaguar head coach Todd Finley. "These four positions will need to be filled and, more importantly, their skills and leadership."While South lost all-state recipients Kelsey Stokes and Alex Woolard, along with Tabby Davis and Logan Thorp, they will return all-state senior forward Sharaya Sidebottom and five other seniors with multiple years of varsity experience."Our team strength will be our five returning seniors bringing 11 years of varsity experience," Findley said. Along with bringing back three-year letter winner Sidebottom's 17 goals and 15 assists from her junior season where she earned not only all-state honors, but all-conference and regional honors as well, senior forward Taylor Irwin returns from a knee injury to provide the Jaguars with some added punch up front.South also returns senior forward Ashley Killian and sophomore forward Courtney Codilla."Team speed and forward depth will also be a strength," Findley said.On defense, the Jaguars return three-year senior letter winner Kelly Gardner and two-year letter winner Sam Thompson along with two-year letter winner, junior Brynn Abram and sophomore Marissa Robb.The midfield will be young for South this season as they return two sophomores, Casey Rausch and Ashleigh Kaberline.Cats return 18Only one player, forward Ryanne Miller, will be missing from the Blue Springs girls soccer team's roster from last season.Blue Springs, which finished 9-9-1 overall and 6-4-1 in the Suburban Big Seven last season, returns 18 and adds only one new player to the roster in Bailey Randol."Lots of players returning means they have a good idea of what to expect," said Wildcat head coach Douglas McLagan.But while the Wildcats only lost Miller, the loss was a big one as Miller Blue Springs in scoring last season with 10 goals.The Wildcats, however, returns its second leading goal scorer from 2007 in forward Mallory Malone, who scored eight goals and had five assists. The Wildcats also return forward Tara Beck, who scored six goals last season.Outside of Malone and Beck, Blue Springs' scoring disperses.The Wildcats returns four players - Jana Teague, Morgan Hafner, Synthia Padfield and Lindsey Byle - who all scored three goals last season. Lauren Pouche had four goals last season for Blue Springs while Ashli Gray, Brittany Gholson and Amanda Schwartz each finished with two goals.But out of the 18 returning players, the Wildcats have only four seniors, two of whom - Laura Creason and Jordan Joyce - will be Blue Spring's captains this year.In goal, Blue Springs returns senior Danielle Bennefeld and junior Catherine Bohanon.

Small business financial tune-up

COMMENTARY By Jamshid Hoorfar
Special to the Journal

Like the name implies, a financial tune-up is a fresh look at how well your small business is working for you, the owner. Part of a tune-up is a re-consideration of the form of business entity you've selected for your business. There are several choices available for you to consider with your tax and legal advisors:- Sole proprietorship- Partnership- S Corporation- C CorporationLimited Liability Company Each form of business entity has advantages and disadvantages. What was right when you started your business may no longer be the best choice. Knowing your options puts you in control.Sole proprietorship The sole proprietorship is characterized by its ease of formation as compared to the other three legal "entities." A sole proprietorship and sole proprietor are unified in connection with: - Assets- Liabilities- Length of existence This means the sole proprietor is personally liable for the debts and claims of business creditors. Also, the sole proprietorship does not continue after the death, bankruptcy, or voluntary cessation of business by the sole proprietor. From a tax perspective, it means that profits and losses pass through to the sole proprietor and are reported on Schedule C of Form 1040.A major disadvantage to the sole proprietorship is its inability to attract investment capital. If you need additional capital for planned growth, it may be time to look at a different type of business entity. Another disadvantage is that the pass-thru of taxable profits directly to you, limits tax planning opportunities that are available with C and S corporations. Income cannot be shifted to other family members by making them owners of the business. Also, sole proprietors are unable to take full advantage of tax breaks associated with group health, disability, and group-term life insurance.Partnerships A partnership is defined as two or more co-owners carrying on a business for a profit. Partnerships take two forms: the general partnership and the limited partnership. Partnerships remain a prevalent form of business organization for long-established law and accounting firms, other professional practices, real estate development and the management of family enterprises. As in the case of the sole proprietorship, appropriate licensing and registration of a name, if the name used differs from that of the partners, are the only formalities that need be followed. Although advisable, a written agreement is not necessary to form a partnership and the partners may change their original understanding from time to time without notification of authorities. General partnerships share other characteristics with sole proprietorships. Unless agreed otherwise, each partner has co-equal management rights. Furthermore, unless otherwise agreed, the partners share equally in profits and losses. Also, each general partner, like a sole proprietor, is fully liable for the business operations and actions of the other partners who act within the scope of the business. In a limited partnership the general partners possess all the rights and responsibilities they have in a general partnership. Limited partners, on the other hand, enjoy the investment opportunity afforded by the limited partnership but possess no management control. Also, although a limited partner's investment is at risk to partnership creditors, personal assets are not. Profits and losses pass through to the partners, retaining their character as capital gain or ordinary income in the hands of the partners. Although partnerships do not pay taxes, they are required to file an informational return. The form, a K-1, reflects allocations of income and loss to the individual partners. Each partner receives a K-1 reflecting his or her allocable share of partnership profit or loss and identifying how to reflect these items on the usual Form 1040. As a trade-off to pass-thru taxation, partners lose the ability to receive the full tax advantages of certain employee benefits such as group health and group-term life insurance. C corporations Unlike the case with partnerships and sole proprietorships, state laws require certain formalities in the formation and operation of a corporation. At a minimum, the incorporators must file articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State and adopt bylaws. A corporation is a separate legal entity from its shareholders. Consequently, the owners of a corporation need not expose personal assets to corporate liability. Also, unlike sole proprietors and partnerships, C corporations are separate taxable entities. Most C corporations are subject to income taxes at rates ranging from fifteen to 34 percent. Because corporations are separate taxable entities there is more opportunity to shift income and appreciation away from an older, founding generation to a younger, succeeding generation. A disadvantage to the C corporation is the potential for double taxation, the taxing of earnings first at the corporate level, then at the personal level. It is this disadvantage that has led to the popularity of S corporations.S corporations Somewhat less common since the advent of limited liability corporations, are S corporations, which combine aspects of both C corporations and partnerships. From a legal standpoint, shareholders of S corporations enjoy the limited liability afforded owners of C corporations. On the other hand, S corporations are pass-thru entities (like sole proprietorships and partnerships) for tax purposes. There are, however, certain restrictions placed on S corporations: - No more than 100 shareholders.- Each shareholder must be an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, estate, certain trusts or certain tax exempt organizations.- The corporation must have only one class of stock. (However, voting differences are permissible.)- The corporation must use the calendar year as its fiscal year, unless there is a natural business year for the corporation or more than half the shares are owned by shareholders with the fiscal year end or there is a valid business purpose to a particular fiscal year end. - Not more than 25 percent of the corporation's income can come from passive activities, such as annuities, dividends, rents, royalties, etc. Many small businesses elect the S corporation form. Unlike unincorporated sole proprietors who pay self-employment taxes of 15.3 percent on net income up to $97,500 (2007 limit), S corporation owner/employees are subject to employment tax withholding on his or her compensation. Net earnings over and above a reasonable salary are included in income, but are not subject to employment taxes. Furthermore, while more than two percent shareholders are prevented from fully enjoying tax breaks associated with health insurance and other employee benefits, company paid health insurance premiums are not taxed to owners/employees.Limited liability company The Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a relatively new and increasingly more common type of business entity. Its most distinctive feature is that it can provide owners with the liability protection of a corporation and the tax benefits of a partnership. Furthermore, LLCs are not encumbered by many of the restrictions placed on S corporations. Most states require two owners (owners are also referred to as members) to form an LLC, but unlike the S corporation, there is no upper limit on the number of owners with the LLC. The members of an LLC enter into an operating agreement. This agreement controls how profits, losses, distributions, and management powers are shared among members. Like S corporations, management duties may be reserved solely for owners, or the owners may elect managers who operate in a role similar to a board of directors. Whatever business form you started with, it makes sense to reconsider your choice from time to time as profits and losses, tax laws, needs for additional capital, and liability risks change. Seek the guidance of financial and legal professionals to help you assess your needs and to implement any changes.Jamshid Hoorfar, Financial Planner, PhD, CHFC, LUTCF, CLTC, offers investment advisory services through Prudential Financial Planning Services, a division of Pruco Securities, LLC. He can be reached at jamshid.hoorfar@prudential.com and 816-525-0900.

COMMUNITY PULSE | Letter

Dear Editor: As you (may) know, I have been active in the local business community for several years. I have also been a resident of Blue Springs, and I have been active in a number of civic groups, fundraisers, charities and citizen action groups. I have always been motivated by the many opportunities that exist to make our city a better community for its people and for its future. I am convinced that a strong local economy, a balance of commercial and residential development, the united effort of businesses and individuals, and cooperation between civic, private and public leadership will raise the quality of living in our town. I am confounded by local leaders who cast negativity at every opportunity, who offer criticism without participating in positive solutions and who attempt to throw obstacles in the way of progress for the sake of voting "no." We all need to support local leaders with vision to get beyond being a sleepy bedroom community that is satisfied with single-family housing development and fast food restaurants. We need leadership in our community that will streamline our government processes, modernize our approach to business and development, facilitate cooperation between our elected officials, city staff and the business community, and unify these groups in their goals and vision. We need fresh ideas and attitude, professionalism and results-oriented leadership in Blue Springs. I am writing because I want to see our community prosper - and I am supporting Jeanie Lauer in her race for District 1 City Council to help make that happen. Jeanie is a local entrepreneur. She owns her own management consultant business and has worked with Fortune 500 companies as well as "mom-and-pop" businesses to help them develop business processes, streamline procedures and develop leaders within their organizations. Wow - does that sound like what we need in our city government. Jeanie has proven her commitment to helping improve our community by serving on city commissions and co-chairing "Renew the Blue," our citizen-driven visioning process, and she is currently co-chairing the implementation phase of Renew the Blue to see through the process of those visions becoming reality. For her outstanding efforts and commitment, Jeanie was awarded the 2007 "Outstanding Civic Leader for Blue Springs" award. Please take the time to read about Jeanie, her accomplishments and her vision for the community at www.jeanielauer.com. Also through the Web site, you can contact the campaign about getting a sign, volunteering, contributing or otherwise helping with Jeanie's grassroots campaign. I have had the pleasure of working with Jeanie through Renew the Blue and a number of community activities. Jeanie Lauer has the vision for positive change for Blue Springs, and she is the proven professional leader this community needs. I am asking you to support Jeanie's campaign for District 1 City Council to make a positive difference in our city government and in our community. Please take an opportunity to meet Jeanie Lauer and find out more about what you can do to help make a difference in our city government.Bill EssmannBlue Springs

Don’t be left in the dark during the digital television transition

Commentary By Claire McCaskill

Now that the writers’ strike is over, many of us are back to enjoying our favorite TV programs. My daughters can’t get enough of the suspenseful investigations on “Law and Order.” My mother loves to laugh at the witty exchanges between the characters in “Two and a Half Men.” And with the presidential primaries upon us, my husband and I are thrilled to watch the talented cast of “Saturday Night Live” capitalize on the supply of comedic ammunition.
The hiatus of new and interesting television programming during the writer’s strike made TV fanatics appreciate our favorite shows more and made us realize how much we take this reliable form of entertainment for granted.
Now imagine if you came home one day to fi nd out your favorite program was gone — permanently. Except instead of being forced to watch reruns and endless hours of lame reality shows as an alternative, your TV set no longer received a signal at all. It was blacked out. No local news, weather and traffic would be available morning, noon and night. No morning talk shows. No soaps. No sitcoms. Nothing.
That’s what stands to happen to over 400,000 households in Missouri in less than a year on Feb. 17, 2009. Don’t ask me why they picked such an odd date, but that is the day analog — over-the-air broadcast signals — will cease and digital will take over. The idea was to open up the analog frequencies to first-responders to use for communications systems and at the same time give consumers a crisp, clear TV picture. This complicated sounding process is simply known as the DTV transition.
That’s right. In less than one year, you’ll have four options: 1) buy a new TV that can receive a digital signal, 2) subscribe to satellite service, 3) order cable service, 4) or keep your old, analog TV and purchase a converter box that will allow you to receive a digital signal. A basic rule of thumb is this: If you use bunny ears to receive your signal on an older TV, after DTV you’ll need a converter box to make it work.
You’re probably thinking, “It just figures that the government would make me do something that’s only going to cost me money in the end.” Well, in this case, the government is actually trying to put your tax dollars to work. Each household can receive up to two $40 coupons to go towards the purchase of a converter box, the cheapest way for households to make the transition. The government isn’t subsidizing new TVs or cable and satellite service.
You can order a coupon now and once you receive it, it’s good for up to 90 days. The converter boxes are on their way to store shelves as you read. Not only that, but nearly every single Missouri broadcast outlet is sending a digital signal at this very moment, so a converter box will work just as soon as it’s installed.
So why the push to take care of this potential problem now if the deadline is looming more than 300 days in the future? There are 21 million households across the country that currently rely on an analog signal. With only about 30 million coupons available, and keep in mind that’s up to two per household, you can do the math and see that some folks might lose out in the end.
Another reason is that there is no motivator like the last minute. As the deadline approaches, it’ll be like the day before Christmas when malls are crammed full of people and the high-demand items are fl ying off the shelves. it’s a nightmare. This can all be avoided by getting ahead of the game and starting now (and get a head start on your Christmas shopping while you’re at it).
I understand that the idea of installing new technology to an older television is a lot like being asked to program your VCR the fi rst time. It’s intimidating and confusing to say the least. However, there is a lot of information out there to help. By either calling 1-888-DTV-2009 or visiting www.dtv2009.gov, you can order a coupon, find a retailer that carries a converter box, learn how to install your converter box and get more information about the transition to digital. People are standing by to answer your every question, and my offi ce is certainly happy to assist.
The bottom line is that it’s important to get started making the transition now because when it comes down to it, it may be something far more important that comes over those airwaves than just some good entertainment you’ll be missing out on. It may be emergency information you’ll need to know for the safety and well-being of your family. I ask Missourians that we all do our part by passing on the word so that no one is left in the dark on Feb. 17, 2009.
Claire McCaskill, Missouri senator, is a guest columnist for the Journal. To respond to today’s commentary, call the Journal’s Rant & Rave line at 816-282-7020, or send comments via the Internet at www.bluespringsjournal.com.

COMBATING THE AMERICAN HOUSING CRISIS

Commentary By Kit Bond

Homeownership, the linchpin of the American dream, is turning into a nightmare for many families who can no longer afford their mortgages.
According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage delinquencies are at their highest rate in 23 years.
More than 57,000 homeowners in Missouri are delinquent on their mortgages, including a full 20 percent of subprime borrowers.
In some other states, the problem is even worse.
When people lose their homes, it has a devastating affect on the family, the neighborhood, the community, and multiplied many times over, on the economy.
We are already seeing a weaker economy led by the housing crisis, and the projections are for the situation to get worse before it gets better.
The best way to get out of the housing crisis is to avoid the foreclosures that throw families out of their homes.
We already have a problem with enough affordable housing in many areas. For those already in homes, doesn’t it make more sense to try to keep them where they are?
That is why I have joined with Sen. Johnny Isakson, Sen. Norm Coleman and several other colleagues to introduce the Security Against Foreclosure and Education, or SAFE Act of 2008.
Our SAFE Act authorizes state housing finance agencies to issue $10 billion in tax-exempt bonds and use the proceeds to help refinance subprime mortgages.
The new loans will have a much lower interest rate than the high, adjustable subprime rate now trapping so many families. Lower payments will be affordable and struggling families will be able to keep their homes.
Our legislation also expedites delivery of $180 million already approved by Congress in December for counseling help to families in distress.
Through this counseling, we hope to reach families with financial solutions before they fall too far behind in their payments.
Foreclosure not only hurts families, it hurts communities.
Other homeowners in the surrounding area see the value of their homes plunge. Vacant homes invite vandalism. Nearby schools and businesses suffer from fewer students and customers. Local governments lose tax revenue.
Our bill supports these struggling neighborhoods by providing $15,000 in tax credits for purchasing a home in or approaching foreclosure. This provision will help neighbors take down foreclosure signs and stop the slide in property values.
Many troubled homeowners complain that they feel victimized by mortgage brokers who promised lower payments without describing what would happen when the interest rates adjusted.
Homebuyers are hit with dozens of pages of legalese when they reach the settlement table. What they need to see on the first page in large type is information about their loan, in plain English.
That’s why our proposal includes new loan disclosure requirements for a prominent and plain-English explanation of key loan conditions.
Congress must act now to support homeowners. This legislation is an important step in “stopping the bleeding” for many families and communities.
But Congress must also do more to curb predatory lending practices to ensure that this does not happen again.
Kit Bond, Missouri senator, is a guest columnist for the Journal. To respond to today’s commentary, call the Journal’s Rant & Rave line at 816-282-7020, or send comments via the Internet at www.bluespringsjournal.com.

Expand storage space with an outdoor shed

By Alan J. Heavens
The Philadelphia Inquirer (MCT)
Where do you store your lawn mower, your gardening implements and other tools? If the answer is the garage or the basement, odds are your gear is hard to get to or tough to find when you need it. An outdoor storage shed might be just the ticket - if you have the room.Need to know: Whether your town has zoning rules about sheds. The information generally is available from municipal building departments. But even if there are no rules, consider your neighbors. Nothing creates ill will as quickly as a shed that blocks sunlight to the garden of the folks next door. - Shabby isn't chic: If the shed looks shabby, it will make your yard look that way, too. If you're not willing to pay a bit more for quality, you might as well keep your equipment where it is. Typically, the difference between attractive and ugly is only a few hundred dollars. And remember, an outdoor shed is an investment in your property, like a kitchen or a powder room - you don't want to create a stumbling block to a quick and profitable sale in the future.Sheds made of cedar siding are the most expensive, followed by those made of vinyl. Whichever you choose, the shed's design should complement the style of your house. If you live in a 1950s airlight rowhouse in Northeast Philadelphia, a Victorian-style shed will be more than jarring to the eye. - Too cute: You don't want the shed to look too precious either - it's a utility structure, not a dollhouse. So skip the porch feature unless there's a critical need for a place where you and your lawn mower can get out of the sun.What will it cost? Be ready to spend a minimum of $350 on a shed. Good quality and good looks can be yours for about $2,000. - Material world: Some people consider metal sheds ugly, but one made of aluminum will hold up a long time. Steel tends to rust quickly, although some is coated to reduce, though not avoid, corrosion. - Wood sheds - especially cedar - look better, so there are more of them available. They aren't fireproof, though, and are subject to mold and rot, so they need regular maintenance. Squirrels and other rodents can easily chew through wood, too. Cedar sheds should be recoated with a special sealer/preservative every other year to protect them from ultraviolet solar radiation. Vinyl may not be everyone's cup of tea, but sheds made of it pretty much last forever and require little maintenance, except for an occasional power-washing to remove mildew in shaded locations. Unlike metal, vinyl doesn't dent or ding and seems to withstand extremes of weather, especially moisture, very well. - Size matters: Make sure the shed you buy will accommodate your equipment. If you have a ride-on mower, you'll need to have an extra-large shed, so the machine can get in and out easily. If you have a regular-size mower, make sure what you store is organized carefully, so you can get everything else in and out. Consider shelves to hold pots and materials, hooks for rakes, shovels, etc., and a ramp and extra-wide doors. - Firm foundation: Check with the manufacturer first, but sheds are typically placed on cinder blocks, concrete piers, a concrete slab, or crushed stone. Supports for the structure are usually made of pressure-treated wood. - Room to grow: As you've learned with your garage and basement, there is never enough room - hence the need for a shed in the first place. But even a shed can be expanded with plastic add-ons costing a couple of hundred dollars. Check for them at the local home center.
(c) 2008, The Philadelphia Inquirer

Climbing roses add a unique vertical element

By Norman Winter
McClatchy-Tribune News Service (MCT)
Climbing plants really add a vertical dimension to the landscape. Adding this new element to a garden causes a transformation that almost no other type of plant can accomplish. Climbing roses are seeing an upswing in popularity for this very reason. One of my favorites is New Dawn, which certainly is not new. It originated from the variety Dr. W. Van Fleet in 1930, but New Dawn is a repeat bloomer. In a way, it seems new since many gardeners are just now discovering this terrific large-flowered climber. Another climber that is riding a wave of popularity is Peggy Martin. This historic rose garnered nationwide attention by surviving 20 feet of salt water during Katrina's onslaught. It has gained attention among gardeners and rose lovers as a persevering plant. It reflects a spirit of renewal and hope in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina's devastating blow against those living and gardening in the Gulf Coast area. Since then, several large nurseries have introduced it for sale. Bill Welch, author of "Antique Roses for the South" says, "Growers are generously donating $1 per plant to the Greater Houston Community Foundation, with the purpose of assisting in the task of garden restoration projects in New Orleans, Beaumont and other Gulf Coast locations. With its good looks and healthy vigor, the 'Peggy Martin Rose' is well on its way to becoming a classic garden mainstay for those wanting a mannerly climber that is thornless, with abundant pink clusters of small flowers. After it has become established, it re-blooms in the fall when the hot temperatures moderate." Another must-have to consider is the Lady Banks rose. It is at the top of my list because it is among the most disease-resistant roses we can grow. You will probably never see blackspot or powdery mildew on this rose. It is also among the most drought-tolerant roses, able to withstand extended drought.If you have ever tangled with a rose bush, you may feel as though you were on the losing end of a fight with a bobcat. You will never feel that way with Lady Banks because like the Peggy Martin, it is thornless. The Lady Banks, or Rosa banksiae normalis, has been in cultivation since 1796. An improved double-flowered white form, Rosa banksiae banksiae, was found in 1807. Then in 1824 the double-yellow form, Rosa banksiae lutescens, was discovered. The white-flowered forms have more fragrance than the yellow, but the yellow has become the most popular. To call this a large, spreading rose may be an understatement. The largest rose bush in the world is a Lady Banks in Tombstone, Ariz. It covers more than 8,000 square feet. Because of its spreading nature, you will want to manage this rose. The Lady Banks is a long-lived rose; the one in Arizona was planted in 1855. All varieties of climbing roses produce long canes and require some support to hold plants up off the ground. They don't really climb by themselves but must be tied or trained to the trellis, wall, fence or arbor. Climbing roses can be used on sloping banks to aid in holding soil. Climbers, like bush roses, are grouped into several types with much overlapping among types. Most rose nurseries list ramblers, large-flower climbers, ever-blooming hybrid teas, climbing polyanthas, climbing floribundas and trailing roses. So why not try to "grow up" this year on a trellis, arbor or fence with a climbing rose?(c) 2008, McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

Questions delay vote on property codes

By Russ Pulley
Special to the Journal
The final vote on a proposed property maintenance code in Blue Springs is on hold. The City Council on Monday had its first reading on the ordinance containing the proposed regulations, which is the first official step toward passing the code. But the Council also voted to table a required second reading and vote until the city resolves a central issue: how to create a safety net for people who can't afford to fix their property. Councilwoman Sheila Solon said she'd prefer to see the city create a minor-repair program, similar to one in Lee's Summit that helps owners with lower incomes care for their property. She suggested the city could use annual grant money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that is intended to help lower- to middle-income neighborhoods. "I want this to be successful," Solon said. "I know we have many residents who put calls in to our codes department, and right now our codes aren't strong enough and are unenforceable. But we certainly don't want to go out and try to hurt people who are unable to fix their property up." Solon said she also wanted to see a more-definite plan for involving churches and other civic organizations to aid people who need help meeting the code. Councilman Jeff Quibell said he had been working on a maintenance code for three years, after he encountered a resident living next to a property in severe disrepair. But he agreed the city wasn't prepared to enact the code, because criteria were needed for deciding who could qualify for such an assistance program and the financing mechanism. He moved to send the issue back to the Property Maintenance Committee to get those components in place. The council agreed 4-2, with Ron Fowler and Lyle Shaver dissenting. Fowler said his concern was that it could be a lengthy delay in getting a repair program in place. Mayor Steve Steiner cautioned that during past years cities lobbied to keep that grant program intact. He said funding probably will continue for the short term, but it might not be there in the long run. Steiner, who has opposed the code because he was afraid of potential abuses and impact on senior citizens, said in an interview that he had decided not to veto it but would have allowed it to become an ordinance without signing it. Because of the Council's vote, it's likely the Council seated after April's election will complete the ordinance. The current Council by consensus agreed it wants some regulation, but it had varied concerns about clauses or language. Shaver said that based on comments from residents he thought the proposed ordinance was acceptable, with a few tweaks. At one informational meeting, a dozen residents had a few questions on whether the code definitions were specific enough and whether they could be abused in a neighborhood feud. The intent is for codes officers to enforce it on a complaints-only basis, except in severe cases. For example, Shaver wants to add a clause excluding materials normally used in landscaping, so residents couldn't be cited for having a pile of "four or five bricks" in their backyard. He also wanted to drop seeds, fruit and nuts from items that can't be composted.

Council approves final plat for shopping center

By Miranda Wycoff
The Journal Staff
The Blue Springs City Council unanimously approved the final plat for the Southridge Shopping Center on Monday. The shopping center will be located at the southwest corner of M-7 and S.W. Meadowridge Drive. The 5.57-acre shopping center broke ground on Feb. 8 and, according to city information, construction has already begun. According to city information, the parcel of land is required to be platted before the applicant, Royal Investment Group, can obtain the building permits for the shopping center. The Council's approval of the final plat is contingent upon several conditions recommended by the city staff. These include the completion of the construction of the water line before building permits are issued, the sidewalk to be installed before the issuance of an occupancy permit and the approval of a Master Sign Plan by the Planning Commission before the placement of any signage on the property, according to city information. According to city documents, the building will feature clear windows on all tenant spaces intermixed with a brick applique and stucco wall and column finishes. Council also heard a presentation on approving the engineering and design services for the Sni-A-Bar Wastewater Treatment Plan upgrade and expansion to E.T. Archer Corporation. In addition, the Council approved a resolution awarding a contract for ditch repair at Hidden Valley Park and a resolution approving the Tax Increment Financing Costs Certification Services in their consent agenda. According to city information, the TIF Costs Certification Services would authorize the city administrator to enter into an agreement with Conchern, Head, Vick and Co., P.C. for the services. According to city information, TIF-reimbursable project costs must be certified by the city to ensure the expenditures meet the criteria for being reimbursable under the state TIF statutes. Once project costs are certified, any available TIF revenues may be reimbursed to the developer or, in the case of a bond issue, bond proceeds would be used to reimburse the developer. The city currently has three TIF plans that have started or will be submitting costs for certification in the near future. The Copperleaf Village TIF, M-7 and 40 Hwy. TIF, and Adams Farm TIF, according to city information.

Glass is Half Full|Stained-glass artist has new outlook on life after kidney transplant

By Brett Dalton
The Journal Staff
Second chances are often a necessity in life. Nobody's perfect, as they say, and an opportunity to start anew may be just what a person needs to turn his or her life around.For some people, however, second chances are a privilege - a gift that can change one's life forever.Randy High, of Blue Springs, said his second chance was more than a necessity, more than a privilege - it was a miracle, and he and his wife Leslie could not be more grateful for it.High spent two days last week at the St. Paul's Episcopal Church on the corner of Fifth and Green streets in Lee's Summit. For the past three months, High and his friend, Bill Cosgrove, have been working to craft handmade stained glass windows for the church. High said some stained glass workers have found many shortcuts throughout the years to make their trade a little easier and a little cheaper. But cutting corners isn't High's style. He said he'd rather do it the old-fashioned way, which to him, results in a better product when it's all said and done. But it's not easy."Doing it old school is all hard," High said. "Every bit of it is hard work."But High will be the first to admit that installing 40 stained glass windows in a small church in the suburbs pales in comparison to the trials and tribulations he battled through five to six years ago.Lifelong conditionHigh, 54, said he's battled kidney disease since he was a child. He was diagnosed with Bright's Disease, which is described as chronic inflammation of the blood vessels in the kidneys, according to www.medicinenet.com. High said he was aware of his kidney condition and said he knew it may one day cause him some serious problems. Then one Saturday evening in February 2002, High finally received the news he knew may one day come."It got to a point where I didn't feel good, so I finally went in for a checkup," High said. "Then my doctor was moved to call me at home on a Saturday night. She told me I needed to get in to her office on that next Monday to start dialysis, because (my kidneys) finally quit."Leslie High said the doctor's phone call was a life-altering moment."Up until that point," she said, "ignorance was bliss. Before then, we thought he was just tired or working too hard. Our lives literally changed with that phone call."The night the Highs received the phone call, Leslie turned to her husband and told him she was going to donate one of her kidneys to him. But at the time, Randy said he didn't want to hear that kind of talk."Leslie had always said all along that she was going to be my donor," Randy said. "But I always thought, 'I'm a man,' and I wasn't going to allow someone to sacrifice like that for me. It makes you very uncomfortable to think about that."On the Monday following the doctor's call, Randy started the type of dialysis - a treatment that serves as an artificial replacement for failed kidneys - he could receive at home. He said he was on dialysis for 10 hours per day, most of them during the nighttime hours when he was asleep. High said life on dialysis wasn't the easiest he'd had it, but it was acceptable, as it was keeping him alive - or so he thought.'The final straw'On Oct. 6, 2002, Randy High was at home with his wife. He had just finished making her a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and the two were standing near each other having a normal conversation. Without warning, some-thing near Randy's heart went drastically wrong and he suffered what's known in the medical field as Sudden Cardiac Death."One minute you're standing, the next minute you're dead on the floor," Leslie said. "And that's how it was."Because his kidneys didn't function properly, High said platelets built up in the blood stream, clogging one of his heart's main blood vessels. Blood could no longer reach one side of his heart and he died in an instant.Fortunately, Leslie said paramedics were stationed just down the road from their home in Blue Springs. She said they rushed over and were able to eventually revive her husband using defibrillators. But it wasn't soon enough to prevent word from circulating that Randy had indeed passed away."I had already told my wife when she was out of town that Leslie was a widow," said Cosgrove, who has been the Highs' neighbor since 2000. "Then I came home that night and she wasn't."After being resuscitated, doctors performed heart surgery on Randy High and he remained in intensive care for 18 days. High said he has no recollection of those 18 days."But what I found out was life on dialysis, while it was acceptable, it wasn't really great," he said. "I had lifelong kidney disease, but ultimately that was the final straw."The giftMonths after her husband had literally been given new life, Leslie High, who works as the director of philanthropy at Truman Medical Center Lakewood, got the chance to make good on the promise she had been making to him for quite some time. Instead of living on dialysis, Randy High decided it was time for a transplant. And as it turned out, his wife was a perfect match."So basically after doing a lot of research, and talking a little more to Leslie, they did it," High said. Since July 30, 2003, Randy High has been using his wife's left kidney. He said it was surgically placed in the front and on the right side of his body, as doctors opted not to remove and replace his non-functioning kidneys. According to Leslie, she became one of 800 spouses in 2003 to donate an organ to a husband or wife.Leslie said it took some convincing on her part to get her husband to agree to take one of her kidneys, but added it was "the best thing I've ever done." She also said donating a kidney was much easier than witnessing her husband's near-death experience less than a year earlier."I would go through 10 kidney transplants if I didn't have to relive that day," she said. Randy, who also had a defibrillator surgically installed in his chest, said he hasn't had any major health issues since the transplant, although he has become insulin resistant since the surgery.And since the Highs' transplant was a success they, along with Cosgrove and other members of the Rotary Club of Eastern Independence, have been deeply involved with the Donate Life program, a national effort to encourage others to be organ donors.Randy High said their ultimate goal is to get Rotarians throughout the country and the world to sign up electronically to be organ donors."If we could sign up just the Rotarians, we wouldn't ever have an organ shortage in the world," Randy said. Their effort has paid off during the last couple years, as they have gotten more than 1,000 Rotarians to sign up as organ donors. They also had a chance to reach more than 18,000 Rotarians at the Rotary International Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, in February 2007.Life is good Leslie High and Bill Cosgrove don't mind saying that Randy High "wasn't a people person" before that fateful day in October 2002. Cosgrove said High spent much of his time near the back of the shops he was working in and rarely moseyed up front near the crowds. But death can change a person, Randy said, and it certainly had an everlasting effect on him. "It made me appreciate things a lot more," he said. "I'd say to a very large degree, I lost my temper. I'm much more tolerant of people."Cosgrove said High is now "the most mellow man I know." "He calms people down just being with him," Cosgrove said, "because he's so appreciative of what's going on around him." The whole ordeal also had an effect on Leslie High. Before the transplant, Leslie said she considered herself somewhat of a "wimp." But after donating a kidney, she's realized she may be a little tougher than she gave herself credit for. "Now I know I'm a strong woman," she said. "There's just something that comes up from you and you do what you have to do. And I can do it. I now know that I can." Randy High's battle with his serious kidney condition forced him into early retirement from the auto industry. After recovering from the transplant, he began working in stained glass, a trade he began learning in the 1970s. High said it's more of a "dedicated hobby" than a job. He said he's installed stained glass on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, in private homes and at TMC Lakewood. Along with enjoying the trade, High said installing stained glass windows provides him the opportunity to give back to the society of which he's more glad than ever to be a part. "I figure I'm here now when I shouldn't be," he said. "So if I can do something to help some people, make them happy and occupy my time, I think that's a good deal." For more information about the Donate Life program, visit its Web site at www.donatelife.net.

Couple suspected of growing marijuana

By Brett Dalton
The Journal Staff
The Missouri State Highway Patrol found what it suspects to be several marijuana plants inside a Blue Springs home on Tuesday. According to Dan Green, spokesperson for Troop A, the MSHP was notified by an unidentified source of a possible marijuana-growing operation at 2200 S.W. Walnut Street in Blue Springs. Green said the MSHP issued a search warrant, entered the home on Tuesday morning and found what the MSHP believes to be 75 marijuana plants and two pounds of processed marijuana. Green said the plants were confiscated as evidence and have been sent to the lab to confirm that they are in fact marijuana plants. The estimated value of the plants, which "look like marijuana and smell like marijuana," is between $40,000 and $50,000, Green said. A married couple in their 50s was at the home when authorities arrived, as was their 2-year-old grandson. No arrests have been made, Green said, and potential charges will not be filed until the lab test results are returned and sent to the prosecutor's office.

TOP 10 SCORERS

The Journal Staff

Blue Springs' Bret Schwartzand South's Riley Reynolds finished season among top scorers in the area

Blue Springs’ Bret Schwartz (far left) and Blue Springs South’s Riley Reynolds (left) were among the top-10 scorers in the area this year. Schwartz ranked eighth on the list, scoring 372 points in 25 games for an average of 14.9 points per game. Reynolds ranked seventh, scoring 239 points in 16 games — the lowest amount of games played by any player on the list — for an average of 14.9 points per game.

SOLO Mission

By Jake Singleton
The Journal Staff

Blue Springs South junior Nick Monaco forgoes high school season for USTA

Blue Springs South junior Nick Monaco felt it was the best decision for him. “It’s been a big toss up, high school tennis is a lot of fun,” Monaco said. “But your junior year is when college coaches start looking at you for athletics and that’s why I chose to play in the USTA Missouri Valley tournaments this year. It will get me more exposure and get my name out there better to college coaches than high school will.” Monaco, who has been undefeated in the Suburban Big Seven, was the district champion last year, finished sixth in the state in singles and helped guide the Jaguars to an eighthplace team finish at state, will not return to the court for South this year. Instead, Monaco, who was not allowed to play both high school and club tennis because of Missouri State High School Activities Association rules, will compete in the United States Tennis Association’s Missouri Valley tournament events. The tournaments consists of events held throughout the United States and is comprised of top boys tennis talent in the nation. “I’m not certain the number of matches I’ll get. It should be pretty even, but it depends on how I do in these tournaments,” said Monaco, who had a 24-4 overall record last season and went 3-2 in the state tournament. “And I’m going to try and play as much doubles as I can since you have to develop your double skills to be successful in college. But I’m trying to find someone who will be at some of the same tournaments I’m in.” And while Monaco is looking forward to testing himself in the Missouri Valley, he knows he will miss being a part of the Jaguars boys tennis team in he spring. “I think I took it harder than (my teammates) did,” said Monaco. “My teammates understood. I think they were disappointed, but I’m disappointed as well.” Jaguar boys tennis head coach Sheri Rehmer also took the news her top tennis player wasn’t returning relatively well. “I basically laid out my thought process and my decision and I think she understood,” Monaco said. “I’m pretty straight forward, but I’ll miss playing for her and the team.” “I respect his decision,” Rehmer said, “although I may not fully understand it.” Monaco began his Missouri Valley tournament schedule today in a USTA Futures Tournament in Tulsa, Okla.

Show-Me Showmen

By Jake Singleton
The Journal Staff

Blue Springs’ Clarance Neely and Chris Chionuma help lead Missouri to a 32-24 win over Kansas in the 16th Annual U.S Army Metro Classic Dual.

Blue Springs seniors Chris Chionuma and Clarence Neely helped spark the Missouri all-star wrestling team to a 32-24 win over the Kansas all-stars in the 16th annual Army Metro all-star wrestling classic at Kansas City Community College. Chionuma, who was 33-4 overall and a state champion at 160-pounds, wrestled down a weight class to face Sabetha’s Jordan Meyer. Meyer entered the match 38-1 with his lone loss coming in state, but lost by technical fall (21-6) to Chionuma, who began a six-match winning streak by Missouri that allowed them to separate themselves from the order rivals. “Chris dominated his guy,” said Wildcat wrestling head coach Mike Hagerty. “It was truly a takedown clinic.” During the six-match stretch, Neely, who was 50-2 and a state champion at 171 pounds, kept things going with an 11-7 win over Leavenworth’s Phil Witt. Witt entered 42-8 overall and was a state runner-up. “Clarence dominated on his feet and struggled on the bottom against a guy who was very tough on top,” Hagerty said. Other Missouri winners included: Raymore-Peculiar’s Justin Forrest (119) 5-1 over Blue Valley’s Jake Tanenbaum; Kearney’s Colin Pierce (125) 15-8 over Blue Valley North’s Nathan McCormick; Platte County’s Tyler St. Louis (140) 8-5 over Gardner-Edgerton’s Aldon Isenberg; Oak Park’s Marcus Armato (160) 14-6 over Prarie View’s C.J. Randell; Oak Park’s Brent Hayes (189) 16-2 over Shawnee Mission’s Matt Baker; Oak Park’s Kolton Kono (215) 13-5 over St. Thomas Aquinas’ E.J. Walter and Oak Park’s Elijah Madison (285) 9-4 over Rossville’s Duane Zlatnik.

Chevy HHR SS handling, value good for performance

By Mark Phelan
Detroit Free Press (MCT)

If there were ever a car to make you long for summer evenings, picnics and drives to the lake, it’s the 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS.
Particularly if you drive really, really fast on the way to the lake and appreciate good value and fuel economy.
The HHR SS is the amped-up performance model of Chevrolet’s compact retro wagon. Offering 260 horsepower, excellent handling, good fuel economy and a practical interior, it’s a beach party on wheels that delivers kick-in-the-pants power at a bargain price. The combination of funky looks, value and terrific performance make the HHR SS my favorite among the current crop of sport compacts.
It’s a spiritual successor to the surf wagons of yore, but with infinitely better handling and a 100,000-mile warranty on its high-output powertrain.
Prices for the 2008 HHR SS start at $22,375. All SS models come with a turbocharged 2.0- liter four-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower at 5,300 r.p.m. and an impressive 260 pound-feet of torque at 2,000 r.p.m. when linked to the standard five-speed manual transmission. The engine is detuned to 235 horsepower and 223 pound-feet when linked to an optional fourspeed automatic transmission.
I tested a well-equipped HHR SS with the manual transmission and a list of options that includes a limited-slip differential that virtually eliminates torque steer. It carried a sticker price of $25,604. All prices exclude destination charges.
The HHR SS competes with sporty compacts like the Dodge Caliber SRT4, Honda Civic Si sedan, Mazdaspeed 3 and Volkswagen GTI.
The Civic Si, Mazdaspeed 3 and VW GTI all beat the HHR SS handily on interior look and feel, but none of the cars can match its overall package of power, performance and value.
The Civic Si and GTI share the HHR SS’ dynamic virtues — clingy handling, good steering response and excellent brakes — but at 197 and 200 horsepower, respectively, neither approaches its level of brute force.
The Mazdaspeed 3 and Caliber SRT4 have the power, at 263 and 285 horsepower, respectively, but rampant torque steer makes both of them more work than play when driven hard.
The HHR SS also stacks up well in fuel economy. Its EPA ratings of 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway essentially match the GTI and Civic Si and beat the Mazdaspeed 3 and Caliber SRT4. All of the cars require premium gasoline, due to the high output wrung from their four-cylinder engines.
I drove an HHR SS from Detroit to Chicago for the auto show and got a pleasant 27.2 mpg on a long, fast highway run.
The car acquitted itself equally well on sharp, twisting roads. The steering provided excellent feel and response and the sport-tuned suspension kept the HHR SS fl at and composed through highspeed curves.
The turbocharged engine revs freely and provides excellent power in all ranges from a full stop to high-speed passes. The manual transmission operates smoothly and the light clutch pedal won’t exhaust your left leg in stop-and-go city conditions. The detuned 235-horsepower engine mated to the four-speed automatic provides ample power, but lacks the excitement of the full-bore package.
The HHR SS is so stable and quick that it’s easy to lose track of your speed on the open road, as long as you have the optional 260-watt Pioneer stereo and like your tunes loud. Otherwise, the HHR transmits very noticeable road noise to the passenger compartment. Wind noise is minimal, however, and road noise is not an issue in city driving.
The interior offers the room and flexibility that helped make the HHR popular and adds sporty touches like a turbo boost gauge on the A-pillar.
Optional sport seats provide good support and comfort. They come in three color combinations and feature leather trim with mesh neoprene and suede seating surfaces. The doors also feature color-matched leather inserts, which look good, but do little to improve the comfort of the HHR’s hard armrests.
Hard plastic trim in a few other places, most notably the top of the door where you’re most likely to rest an elbow, are less appealing than the carefully crafted interiors of the Civic Si, GTI and Mazdaspeed 3.
Despite its minor shortcomings, though, the HHR SS is a blast, and a car anybody shopping for a affordable sporty compact should consider.

(c) 2008, Detroit Free Press

Inadvertent animal cruelty a side effect of Easter

Special Easter pets are a part of the celebration for many families. That’s why
each year doting parents and grandparents race to the pet store or farm in search
of a baby chick or rabbit for the kids in their lives. Unfortunately, the joy of
those Easter bundles is often short-lived.
According to the American Humane Association, the vast majority of the baby bunnies, chicks and ducklings that are given as Easter gifts may only survive the first few weeks after the holiday. For animals that do survive, the novelty of the pet can wear off pretty quickly as cute babies turn into larger, adult rabbits, chickens and ducks. Here are some facts to consider:
The gift of a pet may be an unwelcome surprise. The recipient may not want or be permitted to have a pet.
Ducklings, chicks and bunnies are vulnerable animals. They require special feeding, care and consistent temperature control. They’re also very fragile. During the course of play, small children often unwittingly break the animals’ fragile bones and cause other fatal injuries.
If the novelty wears off, these animals are often released to animal control groups, where they could be euthanized. Other times, they’re simply left in the
woods or other area to fend for themselves.
This Easter, carefully weigh the options of bringing a bunny or chick into the house as a special pet for children. It may be better to substitute a stuffed animal in a real one’s place.
© 2008, Metro Newspaper Service

NINE WAYS TO CREATE ‘EGG’CEPTIONAL EASTER EGGS

Special to the Journal

Easter egg coloring is one of the well-known traditions associated with the holiday Coloring eggs can be fun for children and adults alike.
As with many Christian holidays, some of the traditions associated with Easter are rooted in prior Pagan rituals or are influenced by European settlers to North America. Easter is a spring holiday, and spring is synonymous with fertility and new life. Eggs are thus linked to the festivities because of their connection to fertility. What’s more, according to History.com, German settlers in America are said to have brought over the tradition of a bunny named “Oschter Haws” who would visit houses on Easter eve, leaving colored eggs for children. Easter eggs were painted different colors to represent the sunlight of spring. Christians later used eggs to symbolize the rebirth of Christ.
For those who will be incorporating the magic of colored eggs in their festivities this year, there are several ways to adorn the eggs that go above and beyond the traditional coloring kits. Here are a few ideas to consider.
1. The well-known Paas coloring kit still remains a classic favorite, replete with dipping spoons and colored packets. Many companies have put their own spins on the coloring kit to include a brighter array of colors and even stickers and other embellishments.
2. There are shrink-wrap kits that feature plastic rings that shrink into place when the eggs are boiled. The rings are imprinted with an Easter design.
3. You can make your own egg dye with the following recipe: Combine 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of food coloring with 2 teaspoons white vinegar in a cup that can accommodate an egg. Add water to about the half-way point. Dip in the eggs with a spoon to color.
4. Tie-dye eggs can be created by wrapping rubber bands around eggs before dipping them into the dye. Remove the rubber bands after the dye has dried and see the designs that have resulted.
5. A similar technique can be achieved by using wax crayons and dye. Color designs onto the egg with the crayons, such as dots, lines or squiggles. When the eggs are dipped in the dye, the crayon will repel the dye and leave the designs in place. Those who don’t want to use dye with very young children can simply color in the eggs with the crayons.
6. ‘Egg’stra special designs can be made by using craft supplies to adorn the eggs. Make cute egg people or animals to display. How about an Easter bunny complete with cotton ball tail? Scour the craft store for stick-on jiggle eyes, fuzzy noses and more.
7. You can use regular acrylic paint to brush or sponge on designs. For safety’s sake, don’t eat any eggs that use a dye other than a natural food coloring.
8. Food and beverages can be used to create natural dyes. Boil eggs with beets, spinach, tea, blueberries and more to create the colors desired.
9. Use your imagination and rely on just about anything to make eggs dazzling. Glitter, markers, paints, stickers and so much more can help you to create one-of-a-kind eggs.

Hard-boil know-how

Of course eggs need to be hard-boiled before decorating. Place your eggs in a pot filled with cold water, covering the eggs. On medium-high heat, bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the eggs for approximately 10 minutes. Place the boiled eggs in cold water to cool before coloring.

© 2008, Metro Newspaper

Cuddle up to Easter: Special lamb cake mold creates festive dessert

By Donna Pierce
Chicago Tribune (MCT)

CHICAGO — Carole Kaempf of Westmont, Ill., was planning ahead when she
wrote to us requesting a recipe for a chocolate poundcake baked in a lamb mold — a set
of two cake pans that creates a three-dimensional dessert. We found more than the
recipe, which appeared in Good Eating in 2000.
We also found the 6-cup, two-piece cast-iron lamb mold that was used to bake it, hiding in the back of a test kitchen cupboard. We also found several of these super-sturdy pans on eBay, but you don’t have to get into a bidding war to find one for Easter.
Gretchen Homan, test kitchen manager at Wilton Industries, said that the company’s 6-cup, two-piece aluminum Stand-Up Lamb Pan mold is available for $13 online at wilton.com.

Holding on to summer

Last week, in the midst of yet another snowfall, Lambert Novak of Hammond, Ind., wrote us a welcome estament to the long-range benefits of growing a summer herb garden. Because he froze a batch of pesto he had made with his summer crop of basil, Novak was able to enjoy it throughout the winter.
“This morning,” he wrote, “I took out two frozen cubes of my pesto and let them thaw in the fridge.” Novak spread it on toast and, he added, “Now I am having the summer feast of my life.”
It’s not too early to begin planning a kitchen herb garden. Do any herb growers out there want to share their favorites to grow indoors, on the patio or in back-yard plots? Don’t forget to tell us how you use them.

Chocolate Easter lamb cake
Yield: 12 servings
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour

We used prepared frosting to decorate the cake; you also can make a batch of a favorite buttercream frosting. Because we had difficulty removing the cake from the two cast-iron molds we used, we rubbed oil in the interior of each before greasing and flouring — a strategy that did the trick. This recipe was developed in the Tribune test kitchen.
1 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons plus
1 ½ teaspoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa
3 tablespoons each: boiling water, milk
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/4 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract Vanilla buttercream frosting, sweetened flaked coconut, jelly beans
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl; set aside. Whisk together cocoa, boiling water and milk; set aside.
2. Beat the butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the sugar gradually, beating until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating after each addition until mixture is smooth, about 5 minutes. Beat in the reserved cocoa-milk mixture and vanilla. Lower the mixer to low speed; add the flour mixture gradually, mixing just until combined.
3. Coat the interior of each half of the lamb mold with vegetable oil; let sit 5 minutes. Remove excess oil with a paper towel; grease and flour both interiors. Place the front half of the lamb mold face-down on a baking sheet. Pour batter to within 1/4 inch of rim. Place back half of mold on top. Bake 40 minutes. Remove the cake from the oven; turn the mold face side up. Return to the oven; bake until a tester tests clean, about 20 minutes.
4. Cool on wire rack 5 minutes; remove the front half of mold. Cool 10 minutes. Turn out the cake, supporting it with your hand and turning it faceside- up onto a wire rack. Cool completely before icing with frosting, using the frosting to cover any flaws in the cake.
Nutrition information per serving: 247 calories, 46 percent of calories from fat, 13 g fat, 8 g saturated fat, 83 mg cholesterol, 31 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein, 148 mg sodium, 1 g fiber
© 2008, Chicago Tribune