Bluejay Rallies Fall Short Against Wolves

The tough luck Northeast Nodaway squad had one rally after another against East Atchison on the road, only to fall short as they fell 7-6 Thursday night. With the loss, they fell further in the hole at 1-5 and have no time to lick their wounds as they were to play Albany Friday night.

They started off well against the Wolves, hitting the ball better than they did against DeKalb as they jumped out to a 1-0 lead. With one out, Reece Gray singled down the left field line, Jace Cameron singled just under shortstop Alex Erickson's glove, and Carter Chapman singled to left to score Gray and make it 1-0. But in a theme that repeated itself all night, Northeast hit it hard in most of their at-bats, but right at people. Landon Wilmes hit it hard, but right at third baseman Luke Morey for the third out.

Brody Wennihan walked to start the EA first and Alex Erickson doubled to center to make it 1-1. The game threatened to get out of hand after Brayden Stevens hit three batters to force in another run and Gabe Harms hit a long fly ball to left to Carter Chapman that brought in Tate Johnson to make it 3-1. Carter Chapman was a bright spot for the Bluejays in the field, hauling in three long fly balls while battling a groin injury. 

Two more hard outs by the Bluejays started off the second, but then a pop fly by Jake Redden dropped just behind second baseman Axyl Slemp for a base hit. Brayden Stevens was hit by a pitch and then Jake Redden made it to third on a close play on a passed ball situation as Stevens took second. Reece Gray reached on an error as third baseman Luke Morey's throw was in the dirt as the Bluejays tied it up at 3-3.

Reece Gray came on to pitch in the second and promptly plunked the #9 hitter, River Dow, and Brody Wennihan doubled him home to untie it at 4-3. But Reece Gray settled down and got Erickson and Johnson on long fly balls to Chapman in left and struck out Owen DeRosier to get out of the inning. He would have a rocky fourth inning, but then got better as the game progressed, keeping the Bluejays in the game.

Northeast ran itself out of the fourth inning when Jake Redden hit a screamer, but right to first baseman Gabe Harms, who dropped the ball but threw to second for one out and they threw back to first for the second. That gave the momentum to East Atchison and they started teeing off on Gray, getting a single from Brody Wennihan. A hit and run meant Wennihan took third when Erickson beat out an infield hit to Jake Redden at third. Erickson stole second and that set up a big inning as back to back doubles by Owen DeRosier and Axyl Slemp made it 7-3. After Luke Morey was plunked, Reece Gray settled down and struck out Gabe Harms and got Mason McMahon to ground out to Lance Runde at second.

After two more hard outs by the Bluejays in the fifth, Wolves pitcher Tate Johnson started tiring and walked Camdain Frisch and Carter Chapman to keep the inning alive. Landon crushed one to the left field corner to bring home Frisch and put Chapman on third and make it 7-4. Lance Runde singled to center to bring home two and the Bluejays were right back in it at 7-6.

East Atchison threatened to break it open in the sixth after Axyl Slemp walked with one out in the inning. But with Reece Gray running out of pitches, he picked off Cameron Kephart (running for Slemp), which loomed up strongly after Luke Morey hit a sinking line drive to center field. Camdain Frisch laid out for the catch but missed and Morey had a base hit. He advanced to second on a wild pitch, but Gabe Harms flied out to Gaige Bodle in right and the Bluejays kept their deficit at one.

But in the kind of night they had, Camdain Frisch and Landon Wilmes walked to start the seventh, only for Lance Runde to hit a screamer right at Tate Johnson at first, who doubled off Wilmes for a double play to kill the rally. 

Brock Healy, Mason Hiatt Power JH Tiger Boys at Early Bird; Girls Third as Brooklyn Smith Wins Twice

Brock Healy and Mason Hiatt got firsts at the Worth County Early Bird Tuesday to lead the Tiger junior high squad to victory as they overcame four firsts by Grady Gockel (son of NEN grad Emily (Schmitz) Gockel) of Platte Valley. The girls were third as Brooklyn Smith won two events.

For the boys, Worth County won with 89 points. North Andrew had 67, NEN 55, Platte Valley 53, Princeton 42, Stanberry 41, South Harrison 28, Gilman City 18, North Nodaway 15, King City 14, Nodaway Valley 13, Tri-County 12, Albany 10, North Harrison 6, and Union Star 1.

Cole Hardy tried his hand in the 200 and was sixth with a time of 28.37. Jordan Dannar improved his time in the 400 by over two seconds and was second with a time of 59.58. Mason Hiatt, who had finished behind Brock Healy in the 100 Hurdles all year last year, beat him out and won the event with a personal best time of 17.65. Healy was fourth with a time of 18.76. 

The 4x100 team of Jordan Dannar, Hudson Cameron, Cole Hardy, and Mason Hiatt was second with a time of 53.91. The 4x200 team of Cole Hardy, Mason Hiatt, Hudson Cameron, and Max Hiatt was second with a time of 1:55.30. 

Brock Healy was second in the Pole Vault with a height of 2.13 meters. Jordan Dannar was second in the Long Jump with a personal best distance of 4.84. Brock Healy was second in the Triple Jump with a jump of 10.31 meters. Owyn Wuillay improved his distance in the Shot Put by almost 1.5 meters, placing second with a throw of 9.72 meters. 

The highlight of the afternoon for the Tigers was the Discus, where they finished 1-2. Brock Healy improved his distance from last year by over 7 meters and won with a throw of 37.45. Owyn Wuillay improved his distance from last year by over 11 meters and was second with a throw of 32.30. 

For the girls, Stanberry had 88, Princeton 78, Worth County 72, King City 55, NEN 32, Albany 28, North Nodaway 26, Union Star 19, South Harrison 17, Platte Valley 14, Nodaway Valley 13, Mercer 9, North Andrew 9, and Gilman City 2.

Brooklyn Smith won the 100 with a time of 14.08 seconds. She was second in the 200 and knocked over 1.5 seconds off her time from last year with a time of 29.70. She tried her hand in the 100 Hurdles for the first time, showed good form in practices, and won with a time of 19.51. 

The 4x100 team of Brecklyn Rush, Renae Gladstone, Kaydence Downing, and Brianna Riley was fifth with a time of 59.60. The 4x200 team of Brecklyn Rush, Renae Gladstone, Kaydence Downing, and Brianna Riley was third with a time of 2:06.10. The 4x400 team of Brecklyn Rush, Kinley Fletchall, Renae Gladstone, and Kaydence Downing was third with a time of 5:10.50. 

Hadley Rush tried her hand at the Pole Vault and was second with a height of 1.68 meters. Brooklyn Smith was second in the Long Jump with a personal best time of 4.46 meters, almost .9 of a meter better than her distance last year. Brianne Riley was fourth with a jump of 3.89 meters, almost .8 of a meter better than last year. Kennedy Murphy tried her hand at the Triple Jump and was second with a jump of 8.20 meters. Kinley Fletchall tried her hand as well, getting a fifth place jump of 7.64. 

Bobbie Sherrill 1932-2025

Bobbie Don Sherrill, 92, peacefully passed away at his home on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was so loving to his wife, kids, grandkids, great grandkids, family, and friends. He was strong in his faith and was proud to be a Christian.

Bobbie was born on November 12, 1932, at his parents’ home near Washington Center, MO. He graduated from Martinsville R-6 in 1950. His education started at the Zimmerman School and also the Washington Center School. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Army. He completed basic training at Camp Roberts in California. After basic training he was stationed at Fairbanks, Alaska. Bobbie graduated Cooks Course on July 17, 1953. He earned the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He served from 1950 to January 21, 1955. Before departing for Alaska, Bobbie shot a moose, and the horns are still hanging at the home today. Upon returning to Missouri, he also served in the National Guard until his marriage. Bobbie had 1 year, 4 months, and 28 days foreign and/or sea service.

Bobbie married the former Dixie (Weddle) on June 27, 1959 in McFall, MO. They resided near Washington Center, MO. They were married for almost 66 years. In the first 45 years of marriage they lived on a farm north of Bobbie's parents. In 1995 Bobbie & Dixie moved to his parent's home. To this union four children were born: Ricky, Rebecca, Renee and Roberta.

Bobbie attended Wesley Chapel Church. He was baptized at Wesley Chapel to become a reborn Christian. He and Dixie raised their family at this church.

Upon returning to Missouri from his days of Military Service, Bobbie picked up his love for farming and carpentry. He spent many years doing carpentry work with his dad, brother, son, grandson and father-in-law. Bobbie was also a dairy farmer, blue grass striper, and beekeeper. 

He enjoyed going to Colorado elk hunting, playing cards, and dominoes. He was always glad to see his family and enjoyed going to any events that he could that involved his grandkids and great grandkids. He always could put the littles to sleep by holding them on his lap and stroking their foreheads. Bobbie’s handle on the CB was “Snowball”.

Bobbie served on the Martinsville School Board, Washington Township Board for 33 years, and attended the Masonic Lodge in New Hampton, MO. He also served on the Wesley Chapel Cemetery Board.

Bobbie is survived by his wife, Dixie, of the home; children, Ricky Sherrill, Martinsville, MO, Rebecca (Monty) Thompson, Albany, MO, Renee (Al Reuter) Ellis, Mt. Ayr, IA, Roberta Madison, Kansas City, MO; 10 grandchildren, David, Adam, Megan, Kristina, Dustin, Sarah, Morgan, Kelsey, Dalton, and Kolby; 18 great grandchildren; and 2 step-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett F. and D. Fontella (Stanton) Sherrill; his brother, Everett “Francis” Sherrill, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Pam Sherrill; grandson, Garrett Ellis; great-great grandson, Michael; and great-great granddaughters, Faith and Jasmyn.

 Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 4 at Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO. Burial with Military Rites will follow in Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Martinsville, MO. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Wesley Chapel Church, Wesley Chapel Cemetery, American Heart Association, and/or the American Cancer Society in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com. 

Graves, Mann Introduce Energy Legislation

by Congressman Sam Graves Office

Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) and Rep. Tracey Mann (KS-01) have introduced legislation to help provide stable energy rates and a reliable energy grid to states in the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA), including Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.

 

“Missouri’s rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities have worked with the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA) to provide affordable and reliable electricity to Missouri families for over 80 years,” said Rep. Graves. “But the way SWPA is set up, droughts and other disruptions can cause rate spikes that are passed on to co-ops and municipalities that have no choice but to increase electric rates on Missouri families. This common sense legislation creates a revolving fund to fix that problem—giving SWPA the stable funding necessary to avoid costly rate spikes, and lower customer rates.”

 

“For more than eight decades, the Southwestern Power Administration has allowed rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities to provide reliable, affordable energy to Kansans,” said Rep. Mann. “Under the current funding structure, SWPA has not had the flexibility to make necessary investments into their infrastructure. As a result, when natural disasters and bad weather limit the Administration’s ability to produce power, replacement power has to be purchased, and that cost is absorbed by everyday Kansans. Establishing a revolving fund for SWPA ensures that they can continue to invest in their infrastructure while providing safe, reliable, and affordable energy to Kansas families and rural communities like those in the Big First.”

 

The SWPA, part of the Department of Energy, markets power produced by federal hydropower projects, including Clarence Cannon Dam and Harry S. Truman Dam, to electric cooperatives and municipal utilities in Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. The Southwestern Power Administration Fund Establishment Act would give the SWPA the authority to operate on a self-funding, revolving Treasury fund to help provide long-term stability to SWPA. This would provide the certainty and stable funding SWPA needs to avoid drastic and unnecessary spikes in power rates charged to electric cooperatives and municipal utilities in an extreme or multi-year regional drought.

 

The Southwestern Power Administration Fund Establishment Act is supported by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Missouri Public Utilities Association, Southwestern Power Resources Association, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and American Public Power Association.

 

“Missouri’s rural electric cooperatives thank Congressman Graves for leading this effort to provide more reliable and affordable electricity for Missouri families. When no one else would, Missouri’s electric cooperatives answered the call to provide power to every farm and every home in every corner of this state. Now, this bill ensures we can keep providing affordable, reliable electric service to Missouri families for decades to come.” – Caleb Jones, CEO/Executive Vice President of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives

 

“MPUA commends Congressman Graves for championing this forward-thinking legislation, which preserves Missouri’s legacy of affordable, renewable energy, while strengthening its future. The Southwestern Power Administration Fund Establishment Act is a foundational step in modernizing federal hydropower and ensuring its long-term reliability. This bill will help secure cost-based power for generations to come. We look forward to collaborating with Congressman Graves to advance this important legislation. – Steven Stodden, President & CEO, Missouri Public Utilities Association

 

"Federal hydropower is a vital, reliable renewable energy source for the state of Missouri and throughout the region.  We are grateful for Congressman Graves' support for this legislation that will help cut unnecessary red tape and keep energy prices affordable for the members we serve." – Brian Ackermann, SPRA Board President and Vice President of Portfolio Management at Associated Electric Cooperative.

 

“Federal hydropower is a reliably renewable generation resource. This legislation recognizes the value of protecting that resource throughout the six-state region, making sure that these important assets are maintained. This legislation would go a long way toward ensuring grid reliability and affordably throughout the region for millions of homes, farms and small businesses. I thank Congressman Graves for introducing this important bill that represents good business sense.” – Nicki Fuller, Executive Director, Southwestern Power Resources Association

 

“NRECA supports the Southwestern Power Administration Fund Establishment Act. The self-financed revolving loan fund authorized by this bill would allow the Southwestern Power Administration to better manage infrastructure needs while being more responsive to market conditions and electric demands created by extreme weather events.” – National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

 

“The American Public Power Association applauds the introduction of the Southwestern Power Fund Establishment Act. Since 1943, not-for-profit public power utilities and rural electric cooperatives have successfully partnered with the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA) to bring reliable hydropower produced at Army Corps dams to millions of customers in Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. While SWPA customers pay all costs of generating and transmitting the electricity in their power rates, a complicated funding process has increasingly failed to provide the financial certainty necessary to steady power rates to customers during drought and extreme weather events. The Southwestern Power Fund Establishment Act would streamline this process in a manner that would help avoid rate spikes and economic hardship for communities served by public power utilities and rural electric cooperatives while continuing to ensure that SWPA customers pay all costs associated with generating and transmitting hydropower produced at Corps dams. It is a win-win for the federal government and communities served by not-for-profit electric utilities.” – American Public Power Association

Grant City Theatre Schedule for September 1937

Recently, Debbie Roach of Grant City was going through some old papers and photos that Dan's mother had and found a Grant City Theatre schedule for September 1937. All shows started at 8 pm.

August 29th to 30th -- "Shall we Dance?"

September 1st -- "Song of the City."

September 3rd to 4th -- "That Man's Here Again," "The Devil's Saddle Legion."

September 5th to 6th -- "They Gave Him a Gun."

September 8th -- "Too Many Wives."

September 10th to 11th -- "Hills of Old Wyoming," "Go Getter."

September 12th to 13th -- "A Day at the Races."

September 15th -- "Woman I Love."

September 16th, 17th, and 18th fell on the Worth County Fall Festival, with a different show each night.

September 16th -- "It Can't Last Forever." 

September 17th -- "Outcast of Poker Flat."

September 18th -- "Mountain Justice."

September 19th to 20th -- "Pick a Star."

September 22nd -- "You Can't Buy Luck."

September 24th to 25th -- "The Mighty Treve." There were no TV's back in those days, so sometimes, the Grant City Theatre would show newsreels of the day. One time that month, they showed graphic footage of the Japanese bombing of Shanghai, which appalled the world. On the weekend of September 24th and 25th, they showed footage of the Joe Louis vs. Tommy Farr fight.

September 26th to 27th -- "Parnell."

September 29th -- "The Devil is Driving."

October 1st and 2nd -- "It's All Yours," "Prince and the Pauper."

Cleanup Day for Hopkins Historical Society Building Set for April 22nd

March 25th Minutes of the Hopkins Historical Society meeting

President Allen Thompson called the meeting to order. Members present were: Anna Mae Thompson, Garland O’Riley, Rod and Joyce Hennegin, Don and Judy Crane, Marcia Cline, Kay Ann Coleman and Ruth Anna Florea.

The Fall 2024 minutes were read by Joyce. Judy moved they be approved. Marcia seconded.  Motion carried.

Lois’s treasurer report was passed out and read by Garland in her absence.  Don moved we approve, Anna Mae seconded. Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS

Marcia had no new Facebook items.  She still needs ideas for Hopkins trivia. We will post pics of new donations as we get them.

Allen reported that Jerry Roush will replace the rotted frame at the bottom of the back door.

Joyce reported the cabinets in the back have been moved in order to access the floor drain.

NEW BUSINESS

The metal sign outside the front door needs repainting as does the frame around the window.  Joyce will contact Melissa Brown to see if she is interested in the job.

Clean up date for Opening will be Tuesday, April 22 at 10:00

Schedules for 2025 were passed out.

New donations were a Ukelin, an instrument donated by Judge Charles Massie family; and memorabilia from Kenny Pettlon.

Election was held with same slate of officers by acclamation:  Allen Thompson, President; Garland O’Riley, Vice President; Lois Brand, Treasurer; and Joyce Hennegin, Secretary.  Board members were: 1 yr. Don and Judy; 2 yr. Ruth Anna and Kay Ann; and 3 yr. Rod and Marcia.

Fall Meeting for 2025 is set for October 14^th at 7 P.M.

Judy moved we adjourn. Don seconded. Motion passed.

Respectfully submitted, Joyce Hennegin, Secretary

Worth County Land Transfers for March 2025

March 3rd -- Book 209, Page 190; 3 Point Finance LLC to Revocable Living Trust, William P. Tracy & Marcia J. Tracy; Deed of Release.

March 3rd -- Book 209, Page 192; Darren Damman, Doyle Damman, Marla Damman, Middle Fork Farms LLC, and Thaine Damman to Marla Damman; Warranty Deed.

March 4th -- Book 209, Page 193; Andrea Chapman and Michael Chapman to US Bank; Deed of Trust.

March 5th -- Book 209, Page 194; Middle Fork Farms LLC to Marla Damman; Warranty Deed.

March 6th -- Book 209, Page 195; Linda Combs and Ronald Combs to Julie Tonneson and Robert Tonneson; Deed of Release.

 March 6th -- Book 209, Page 196; Julie Tonneson and Robert Tonneson to Jacob Bush and Shannon Bush; Warranty Deed.

March 10th -- Book 209, Page 198; Westside State Bank to Jeffrey Potthoff and Michelle Potthoff; Deed of Release.

March 12th -- Book 209, Page 200; Middle Fork Farms LLC to Thaine Damman; Easement.

March 12th -- Book 209, Page 201; Earnest Messner Revocable Trust to Elm Roots Ranch LLC; Warranty Deed.

March 12th -- Book 209, Page 202; Carolyn Messner Revocable Trust to Elm Roots Ranch LLC; Warranty Deed.

March 14th -- Book 209, Page 203; Jeffrey Crain Revocable Trust and Pamela Crain Revocable Trust to FCS Financial FLCA; Deed of Trust.

March 14th -- Book 209, Page 204; Thaine Damman to Charles Lepak, Janeille Shaw, and Rebecca McKim; Warranty Deed. 

March 14th -- Book 209, Page 205; Thaine Damman to Albert Sorin and Leslie Sorin; Warranty Deed.

March 19th -- Book 209, Page 207; BTC Bank to Ashley Cadle and Charles Cadle; Deed of Release.

March 20th -- Book 209, Page 208; Danielle Haussler, Edgar Haussler, Heidrun Haussler, and Rebecca Haussler to Danny Campbell and Dena Campbell; Quit Claim Deed.

March 20th -- Book 209, Page 209; Marla Damman and Nathan Heldenbrand to Jacob Hardy and Mollie Hardy; Warranty Deed.

March 20th -- Book 209, Page 210; Jacob Hardy and Mollie Hardy to State Savings Bank; Deed of Trust.

March 20th -- Book 209, Page 211; Jacob Hardy and Mollie Hardy to Farm Service Agency; Deed of Trust.

March 24th -- Book 209, Page 213; Kendra Pickering to Jean Wilson; Warranty Deed.

March 24th -- Book 209, Page 214; Jean Wilson to Flat Branch Mortgage Inc.; Deed of Trust.

March 25th -- Book 209, Page 215; Triangle Investment Group to Farm Credit Mid-America; Deed of Trust.

March 26th -- Book 209, Page 217; Triangle Investment Group to Farm Credit Services of Missouri; Deed of Trust.