Hali Smith Boards 17 in Shamrocks Fifth Victory

North Harrison's girls weathered an ice cold second quarter as they had 47 rebounds as a team and Hali Smith went beast mode, grabbing 17. They came out of their shooting slump to regain the lead by halftime, then pulled away in the second half for a 33-21 win over Pattonsburg Friday.

The Shamrocks were trying to get back on track following a blowout loss to state ranked Princeton. Pattonsburg was trying to find their footing after they lost Katelyn Jones to a knee injury sustained in the previous game against Gilman City. 

North Harrison struck early as Hali Smith scored off a drive following a pass from Jaxcynn Hansel and Hansel got a pass from Ava Rinehart and scored to make it 4-0.

Without Jones, Addie Iddings, who had been mostly a three point shooter before, suddenly started driving to the basket for the Panthers and converted one to make it 4-2. But free throws by Hansel made it 6-2.

But then the Shamrocks went ice cold from the field; nobody wanted to take on shot blocking phenom Kinsley Johnson, and everything else was off line. Pattonsburg took advantage in the second quarter, getting four straight in the paint from Johnson, a coast to coast basket from Iddings, and a steal and drive from promising freshman Cheyenne Miller. That put them up 10-6.

North Harrison got back on track thanks to constantly crashing the boards, and Hansel converted an offensive board into free throws at the 3:03 mark of the half to break the slump. Hali Smith then hit Addison Milligan from the right side and then five straight from Lani Briggs put the Shamrocks back in front 15-10 at the half.

The lead grew to nine to start the third quarter as Jaxcynn Hansel knocked one down from the high post and Lani Briggs drove the left wing following a pass from Smith. Jayden Goble got on the board for Pattonsburg and Carli Pittsenbarger hit a free throw to cut it to 19-13, but then Ava Rinehart, who had been faceguarded throughout the first half and held scoreless, suddenly got untracked with a 3-pointer and Hali Smith added a free throw to make it 23-13 at the 1:24 mark of the third. 

Kinsley Johnson hit two free throws to cut it to 23-15, but Rinehart one of two from the line to make it 24-15 and then added a 3-pointer to start the fourth to make it 27-14.

The Panthers hung around for a while and Addie Iddings hit a guarded three to cut it to 28-19, but then Lani Briggs hit one free throw, Ava Rinehart hit two, and Jaxcynn Hansel hit from the right side to make it 33-19 with 1:19 left and put the game out of reach.

For North Harrison, Jaxcynn Hansel hit 10 points despite battling foul trouble. Ava Rinehart also had 10. Lani Briggs had 8, Hali Smith 3, and Addison Milligan 2.

Hali Smith, Addison Milligan, and Jaxcynn Hansel all had 2 blocks.

Hali Smith had 17 boards. Jaxcynn Hansel had 10 to complete a double-double. Gracie Young had 7, Ava Rinehart 6, Addison Milligan 4, and Lani Briggs 3. North Harrison outrebounded Pattonsburg 47-28 for the night.

Hali Smith had 4 assists. Jaxcynn Hansel had 3, Ava Rinehart 2, and Addison Milligan 1.

Ava Rinehart had 6 tips. Hali Smith had 4, Jaxcynn Hansel 3, and Gracie Young, Lani Briggs, and Addison Milligan had 1.

Ava Rinehart had 6 steals. Gracie Young had 5, Lani Briggs and Addison Milligan 2, and Jaxcynn Hansel and Hali Smith 1 each.

For Pattonsburg, Addie Iddings had 9, Kinsely Johnson 7, Cheyenne Miller and Jayden Goble 2, and Carlie Pittsenbarger 1.

Kinsley Johnson had 5 blocks.

Kinsley Johnson had 9 boards. Addie Iddings, Annabelle Gardner, and Cheyenne Miller had 5 and Jayden Goble 4.

Addie Iddings had 3 assists. Jayden Goble, Carlie Pittsenbarger, and Kinsley Johnson had 1.

Jayden Goble had 8 tips. Addie Iddings had 4, Cheyenne Miller 3, Kinsley Johnson 2, and Annabelle Gardner 1.

Addie Iddings and Cheyenne Miller had 4 steals. Annabelle Gardner and Jayden Goble had 2, and Kinsley Johnson had 1.

Reid Hart Named Social Studies Teacher for North Nodaway

The North Nodaway School Board named Reid Hart as their new Social Studies teacher for the remainder of the school year Wednesday at their regular board meeting.

More climate and culture surveys were released, this time from students and teachers. Nearly all the teachers gave high positive marks (90%) when responding to different questions. The third through fifth graders gave high marks as well, with nearly all questions getting 100% high marks. However, the biggest area of concern was that only 58.7% of these students agreed with the statement, "Students at my school are not bullied." That is higher, however, than 2022-23 when only 24.4% agreed with that statement.

Sixth through twelfth grade students gave lower marks, although most responses were still in the 80's and 90's. However, only 64% of these students agreed with the statement, "My teachers value my opinion." Only 47.70% agreed with the statement, "I like going to school." 

The board approved the maintenance work list for the upcoming break. Projects include removing and reinstalling bathroom partitions in the Commons and Ag buildings for epoxy floors and reinstalling the toilets afterwards, deep cleaning classrooms in both buildings, patching walls and painting at the elementary, install parking signs for office and administrative staff, straightening storage rooms, checking fan blades, assisting contractors with doors and locks at the elementary, touching up paint in both buildings, finishing lockers at the high school, building steel grates for the bus barn, installing sportsmanship signs at the gym, replacing water stained and broken ceiling tiles, replacing burnt out light bulbs, and getting oil changed in two buses.

Elementary Principal Heather Townsend reported that a staff appreciation dinner was held. Teachers are working on setting expectations for students. They are working on expectations for walking and talking in the gym, hallway conduct, and cafeteria expectations.

High School Principal Roger Johnson reported that the third annual Family Christmas Meal was held December 14th. The elementary students came to the high school and the Student Council President welcomed them. Students played games of Christmas Trivia, Christmas Taboo, and Charades. The Academic Showcase was held, and the Band and Choir performed afterwards. There was good community attendance. The Ag students have begun using the plasma cutter for a couple of their classes. Students are picking it up quickly.

Superintendent Chris Turpin reported that 40 out of 48 staff attended the staff dinner provided by the board, the highest since the school has been doing it. The concrete in front of the building has been poured, and grates have been ordered for a new trough. The school is in the process of getting bids for new basketball hoops for the big gym. There will be two on each side and new glass and rims for the main buckets. The school is also looking into replacing the teacher desks at the high school; many are old and many are not functioning as they should.

Amber Hawk Named New Worth County Elementary Principal

The Worth County School Board named Amber Hawk its new Elementary Principal for the 2025-26 school year. She will replace Chuck Borey, who will retire after the current school year. Hawk will also serve as the Special Education Director. 

The school board learned that the school scored an 85.6% score on the Missouri Department of Education Annual Performance Report. That was 9% higher than last year.

Rebecca New shared what students were doing on her Family and Consumer Science classes. They recently sewed pillow cases for the nursing home and she gave an update on the Tiger Designs business.

The Transportation program was rated "Above Average." Strengths listed include the driver training program; all drivers have the School Bus endorsement and have had eight hours of training in Maryville. The school purchased a 10 passenger van and added five electric buses to the fleet along with five charging stations to eventually replace 2002, 2006, and 2009 buses. The school constructed a new bus parking lot. Bus routes are fully staffed. 

Concerns listed include the age and condition of school vehicles, the unknown of electric bus challenges, and the need for more drivers.

Recommendations include updating school vehicles when financially feasible, training and researching on electric buses, accept applications throughout the year, and look for an opportunity to build a maintenance facility.

The board voted to declare some property as surplus. Items include a 3D printer, nine Windows 10 desktop computers, two printers, and six sewing machines. Items are sold as is. If interested, submit sealed bids no later than January 8th at 3 pm to the school. 

Elementary Principal Chuck Borey reported that a staff Christmas lunch was held at the Activity Center. Mrs. Stull's second grade won the attendance challenge for November with a 97.37% attendance rate. All classes had a rate of at least 95.34%. The Worth County PTO and Parents as Teachers held a Cozy Night December 4th. Families went to different classrooms and participated in different fun activities. 16 kids were picked to shop with a cop on December 17th. A reading incentive garage sale was held December 12th for PK through 3rd grade, and they were all able to go through the sale a second time and pick out an extra gift.

Mrs. Rush did a fundraiser with Tiger Designs for the Kindness Club. Tiger Designs designed a t-shirt for the club and sold them. In November, students created gobble grams for teachers that included each elementary staff member's favorite drink and snack. In December, the students took the woot woot wagon to elementary staff and held a Christmas party.

High School Principal Josh Smith reported on classroom activities. English II students are practicing sentence structure and placement of subordinate clauses playing a game called "What do you MEME?" where they write their own memes for the pictures on the board. They discovered that most memes are technically subordinate clauses that do not express a complete thought, but rely on the visual image to complete the meaning.

American Literature students are utilizing critical thinking activities to analyze theme, symbolism, conflict, tone, character, and setting in the novel, “The Scarlet Letter.” Graphic Design students are working in Adobe Photoshop to create custom text effects of their choice by manipulating text layers and adding advanced effects. After the initial design, they will then walk through their text effects tutorial. 

The sophomores won the November attendance challenge with a 93.78% attendance rate.

Junior High English/Language Arts students delivered Christmas ornaments and treats to the nursing homes. 

Hayden Sanders' Triple Lifts Tigers Past Albany 48-45

Hayden Sanders hit a late 3-pointer against Albany to give the Tiger boys the lead for good and the Tigers were able to hold on to beat the Warriors 48-45 Tuesday, December 17th. Despite Albany being shorthanded without Chase Cline, it was the Tigers who dug themselves into a hole. Kyle Emerson cut inside to put the Warriors on the board first. Lucas Frisch knotted it up with a drive, but then a backdoor layup from Jarrett Smith, a steal from Emerson, and a shot from the high post by Daulton Worrell put the Warriors up 9-2 just three minutes into the game.

It didn't help Worth County that Cole Ruby picked up two quick fouls right off the bat, depriving them of one of their main scoring weapons.

The ball for the Warriors was revolving around Shae Miller in the post, who was finding the open man to convert. Albany had shot 50% against Stanberry in their win over the Bulldogs early in the season and looked to be doing the same against Worth County. 

Hayden Sanders finally broke the Warrior run with a triple, but Smith had the hot hand for them, getting seven of his team's 15 points in the first quarter as they built it up to 15-7 with 50 seconds left.

But then a pair of costly fouls hurt the Warriors and let the Tigers right back in the game. First, Sanders converted a three point play and drew Emerson's second foul, making a thin Warrior bench even thinner. Then, a makeup foul after the Warriors had subsequently turned it over with the Tigers in the bonus led to two free throws from Karson Briner to make it 15-12 after one. Albany had completely outplayed Worth County in the period, but thanks to the costly fouls, Worth County was still in the game.

Ruby came back in the second quarter; Worth County went to their 1-3-1 trapping zone and Ruby had an immediate impact, jumping a pass to make it 15-14. Worrell got a steal and a makeup foul put him on the line, where he made one of two. Cole Ruby went two for two from the line after a drive. Samuel Poppa scooped up a carom and drove and converted to make it 18-16, but Cole Ruby knotted it up again and then added a 3-pointer after a pass from Frisch to put the Tigers up 21-18. 

Despite foul trouble from Albany, they chipped away, getting a free throw from Jarrett Smith, another free throw from Daulton Worrell, and a drive from Smith to go ahead 23-21, only for Karson Briner to hit a baseline shot and for Hayden Sanders to get a steal to put the Tigers up 25-23.

Worth County stole the ball back late in the half, and the referees called a charge in a transition situation for what should have been Cole Ruby's third foul with 18 seconds left. But the referees gave the foul to Franklynn Taute, who was spotted up in the corner waiting for a pass instead, meaning that Cole was still on the floor in the fourth when he picked up a foul early in the period.

Worrell's free throw cut the Warrior deficit to 25-24 at the half, and the game was tied at 27, 29, and 31 in the third before Cole Ruby drove and drew a foul late in the period, converting both free throws to make it 33-31. Hayden Sanders followed with a 3-pointer to make it 36-31 after three; Worth County offset their rebounding deficit at the line, where they went 10 for their first 10.

Karson Briner scored from inside set up by Cannon Fletcher's drive to make it 38-31, but then Worth County bailed out Jarrett Smith after he was surrounded by Tigers and unlikely to do anything; he made one of two and that sparked a Warrior run. Four straight from Daulton Worrell cut it to 38-36. Karson Briner knocked one down from the left wing and Lucas Frisch hit Cannon Fletcher backdoor to make it 42-36 after Worrell had picked up his fourth foul, but then Jace Palmer came off the bench and provided a hot hand, knocking down a pair of inside shots to make it 42-39 with 4:00 left. Worrell came back and scored off a steal to make it 42-41 with 2:38 left. 

Shae Miller caused a tieup on the other end, giving the ball back to the Warriors. Once again, Jace Palmer got the ball. He missed, but got the offensive board before Sanders knocked it out of bounds. A pass from Miller to Smith with 1:55 left put the Warriors in front 43-42.

But Worth County answered right back as the Tigers inbounded underneath their own basket to Lucas Frisch, who threw it to Hayden Sanders, who hit a closely guarded three over Daulton Worrell to put the Tigers back in front for good at 45-43 with 1:22 left. Worrell traveled on the other end, and Albany had fouls to give, meaning Worth County was able to take a big chunk of time off the clock before Cole Ruby made one of two to make it 46-43.

On the ensuing possession, Cole Ruby knocked it out of bounds off Jace Palmer with 17 seconds left and then Albany fouled Hayden Sanders with 16 seconds left. He made one of two to make it 47-43. But then Palmer knocked one down from the high post with 7 seconds left to make it 47-45 and keep the Warriors hopes alive. Worth County got it in to Karson Briner with 6 seconds left and he made one of two to make it 48-45.

Albany had to go the full length of the floor to attempt a 3-pointer, and Worth County had a foul to give. Hayden Sanders fouled one of the Warrior players, and they had to inbounds it three quarters the length of the court with 2.4 seconds left. They got the look they wanted, but Worrell's off-balance three was short as time expired.

Hayden Sanders had 17, Cole Ruby 14, Karson Briner 13, and Cannon Fletcher and Lucas Frisch 2. It was Briner's second double figure game in three games; Worth County had been looking for him to get more of a role inside. 

Karson Briner, Andrew Griffin, Hayden Sanders, and Lucas Frisch all had 1 block.

Lucas Frisch and Cole Ruby had 6 boards. Karson Briner had 4, Ethan Lininger and Hayden Sanders 2, and Franklynn Taute and Cannon Fletcher 1.

Lucas Frisch had 5 assists. Hayden Sanders had 4, Cole Ruby 3, Karson Briner 2, and Cannon Fletcher and Franklynn Taute 1 each.

Cannon Fletcher had 3 tips. Franklynn Taute, Cole Ruby, Karson Briner, Lucas Frisch, and Hayden Sanders all had 1.

Cole Ruby had 4 steals. Karson Briner had 3, Hayden Sanders 2, and Cannon Fletcher and Lucas Frisch had 1 each.

Ellen Rinehart 1932-2024

Ellen Jean Rinehart, 92 years, of Lathrop, Missouri passed away December 7, 2024 at the home of her daughter. Funeral services will be held at a later date with burial in Allendale, MO at Kirk Cemetery. Mrs. Rinehart was born on March 31, 1932 near Allendale, Missouri.

Jean was baptized at a young age at Mount Vernon Church in Grant City, Missouri. Jean was a graduate of Grant City High School class of 1950. She was united in marriage to Roy L. Rinehart on April 14, 1951. To this union four children were born Mitzie, Cheryl, Rod, and Paul. Jean and Roy moved back to Grant City in 1958 after Roy finished college at Northwest Missouri State Teachers College and was drafted and stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Jean was a homemaker who loved growing flowers, gardening, and raising animals. Jean was known for her chocolate chip cookies and cherry mash candy.

In 1973 they moved to Maysville, MO where Roy was the High School and Junior High principal until 1983 and then they moved to Hamilton, MO. After moving to Hamilton they joined the Hamilton Federated Church until moving to Lawson Missouri in 1999 to be closer to their daughter Cheryl, who has been their healthcare advocate ever since. When Cheryl moved to Lathrop, Missouri Jean and Roy sold their home and moved in with Cheryl and Earl Swearingin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Weldon Brown, a brother Don Brown, brother-in-law's Gene Groom, Jim Marcum, and Kenny Smith, son-in-law Galen Deardeuff, grandson Jared Deardeuff, nephews Jeffery Marcum, Bruce Maudlin, Kyle Smith, and niece Brenda Miller.

Jean will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 73 years Roy, daughters Mitzie (Mike) Wiley of Gallatin, MO and Cheryl (Earl) Swearingin of Lathrop, MO, and sons Rod (Johnna) Rinehart of Maysville, MO, Paul (Dawn) Rinehart of Cameron, MO, sisters Evelyn Groom of Albany, MO, Jewell Marcum of Castle Rock, CO, Betty Smith of Allendale, MO, Madelyn (Wayne) Brooke of Raytown, MO, Marilyn (Danny) Maudlin of Burlington, IA, and Rhonda Moore of Belton, MO, and 10 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, 3 step-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the United Christian and Presbyterian Church in Lawson or the Kirk Cemetery in Allendale, MO.

Roger Florea 1946-2024

Roger L. Florea, 78, of Hopkins, Missouri, passed away on December 17,
2024, at home in Hopkins His 78 years of life were dedicated to
service and family.

Roger was born in 1946 to Orlin and Margaret (King) Florea of Hopkins,
MO. After starting his elementary school education in a one room
schoolhouse, Roger graduated from North Nodaway R-VI High School in
1964. He was drafted into the military and served in Vietnam. As a
Sergeant in the U.S. Army, Roger served his country from 1967 to 1969
and received a Purple Heart. His time in the service made a lasting
impact on his life. Upon returning home, he obtained a business degree
from Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO in 1972.

On St. Patrick’s Day in 1969, Roger married the love of his life,
Susan L. Motsinger, and they shared fifty-five wonderful years
together. They started their married life in Colorado Springs, CO
while he finished his military service at Fort Carson, then moved back
to Hopkins, MO. Roger and Sue maintained a small business as
self-employed tax practitioners while he worked several other jobs,
including employment with Peve Feed and Fertilizer, custom combining
with friend Kirby Bovard, a self-employed spraying service, and as a
seed corn dealer for Dekalb/Pfizer. The farm crisis in the 80’s led
Roger to put his business degree to work at Bank Midwest, N.A. where
he served as a Vice President for 23 years before retiring.

Roger continued his life of service as a member of the Glen Ulmer
American Legion Post 288 where he served in many leadership roles. He
was also a member of the United Methodist Church, Maryville VFW Post
442, and Elks Lodge 760. He coached American Legion Baseball and
supported the North Nodaway Mustangs as President of the Booster Club.

He was instrumental in raising funds and upgrading the much-needed
lighting system with friend Tillie Porterfield in 1982 and built the
concession stand in 1983 at the Hopkins city park. Roger saw needs in
his community and worked to make a difference. He served on the
Hopkins Community Club board for many years which provided community
events, such as the Hopkins Picnic and monthly community dinners. He
was elected multiple times to the North Nodaway R-VI School Board,
Hopkins City Council, and Hopkins Township Board.

Roger and Sue raised three children, Brian (Tricia) of Topeka, KS,
Denise (Clint) Rowen of Sheridan, MO, and Keith (Amanda) of Kansas
City, MO. Roger enjoyed camping with friends and family and spent many
years going to the Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival, the Old Threshers
Reunion in Mt. Pleasant, IA, and spending Father’s Day at Nine Eagles
State Park. Roger enjoyed playing the guitar, listening to Bluegrass
music, and doing crossword puzzles.

Roger is survived by his wife, three children, and eight
grandchildren, including Mitchell (Maddie) Florea of Lenexa, KS;
Lauren Florea of Lawrence, KS; Garrett Florea of Topeka, KS; Alex,
Gabriella and Abigail Rowen of Sheridan, MO; Owen and Santiago Florea
of Kansas City, MO; sister Paula (Mehmet) Unsal of Teaneck, NJ;
sisters-in-law Vera Florea of Bolivar, MO and Linda Cross of
Maryville, MO. He was preceded in death by parents Orlin and Margaret
Florea, brother’s Wayne and Larry, and sister Janelle.

A visitation will be held on 12/22/2024 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and
services will be held on 12/23/2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Wray Memorial
United Methodist Church, 103 S 4th St., Hopkins, MO.

Services are under the direction of the Bram Funeral Home, Maryville,
Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Glen Ulmer
American Legion Post 288, P.O. Box 235, Hopkins, MO 64461.

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for December 18th, 2024

On December 1st, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department reported that a vehicle driven by Brenda Schad of Mount Ayr that was northbound on P27 struck the rear of a tractor driven by Colby Holmes that was pulling a hay processor. There were no injuries.

On December 5th, Paul Murphy (39) of Albany pleaded guilty in Gentry County Circuit Court to charges of Driving While Revoked (Felony) and DWI. He was sentenced to five years probation, ordered to serve 30 days shock time with credit for time served, and ordered to pay $512 in past due monitoring fees to Private Probation Services and a $200 to the Gentry County Law Enforcement Retirement Fund by Judge Corey Herron.

On December 5th, James Wilper (43) of Bethany pleaded guilty in Gentry County Circuit Court to charges of Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony) and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway. Judge Corey Herron placed him on five years probation and ordered him to serve 60 days shock time in jail on weekends.

On December 5th, James Farnsworth (44) of Grant City pleaded guilty in Gentry County Circuit Court to a charge of Non-Support (Felony). He was placed on five years probation by Judge Corey Herron. Defendant must pay $206 per month towards child support arrears totaling $14,543,22.

On December 5th, Angela Herman (55) of St. Joseph pleaded guilty in Gentry County Circuit Court to a charge of Driving While Revoked (Felony). She was sentenced to 20 days in jail by Judge Corey Herron with credit for time served.

On December 9th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Ronald Brown (55) of St. Joseph alleging Stealing (Felony). An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges the defendant stole a paint sprayer from his employer valued at $2,948.74. The defendant allegedly sold it at a local pawn shop and received $600. Bond was set at $1,000, cash only.

On December 10th, Lincoln Moore (21) of Maryville pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court to charges of DWI and Failure to Register Motor Vehicle. He was placed on two years probation by Judge Robert Rice. Defendant may not possess or consume alcoholic beverages until age 21, not be in any establishment whose primary purpose is the sale of alcohol, and complete the Midwest Victim Impact Program by March 10th.

On December 10th, David Chandler (43) of King City was found guilty following a bench trial of a charge of Receiving Stolen Property. He was placed on one year probation, ordered to pay court costs of $115.50, and successfully complete a substance abuse evaluation by January 24th.

On December 11th, Colynn Lent (45) of Jamesport pleaded guilty to a charge of Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). A Sentencing Assessment Report has been ordered and the defendant will be sentenced on February 5th.

On December 12th, Niki Hancock (43) of King City was convicted in Gentry County Associate Circuit Court following a bench trial of charges of Resisting Arrest and DWI. The defendant pleaded guilty to charges of No Plates, Failure to Register, Driving While Revoked, and No Insurance. They were assessed fines of $596.50, placed on probation for two years, and ordered to serve two days shock time in jail by Judge Rebecca McGinley. Defendant must not enter any place of business whose primary purpose is to sell alcohol, and successfully complete SATOP by February 12th, 2025.

On December 10th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office announced the indictment of Roy Faux (51) of Rockaway Beach (MO) alleging Receiving Child Pornography. The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require the defendant to forfeit two cell phones and a computer tablet, which were allegedly used to commit the offense.

On December 10th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office announced the indictment of John Weaver (42) of Licking (MO) alleging Receiving Child Pornography, Using a Minor to Produce Child Pornography, Distribution of Child Pornography, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Felon in Possession of Firearm.

On December 11th, Worth County Prosecutor Janet Wake Larison filed charges against Tara Thogmartin (47) of Grant City alleging Possession of Controlled Substance (Narcotics, Methamphetamine). Bond was set at $15,000, posted by the defendant.

On December 12th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a tractor-trailer on northbound I-35 three miles north of Eagleville was passing a 2016 Honda Pilot at around 5:50 am. The driver of the Pilot lost visibility due to rain and sleet kicked up by the tractor-trailer, ran off the east side, and struck an embankment. The driver and a passenger were injured.

On December 12th at 2 pm, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander crossed the center line of Highway 6 near Altamont and struck a Chevy Silverado, which overturned. The driver of the Mitsubishi was seriously injured.

On December 12th at 7:41 am, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department reported that a vehicle driven by Tabitha Hibbs (29) of Grant City was southbound on 169 and lost control of her vehicle. She was taken to Ringgold County Hospital with minor injuries.

On December 13th, Federal District Judge Greg Kays sentenced Tony Diaz (41) of Raymore (MO) to nine years in prison without parole after he pleaded guilty to charges of Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Felon in Possession of Firearm. His brother, Serjio Diaz (40) of Belton (MO) was sentenced to 15 years in prison on similar charges. A co-defendant, Maria Jasmin Lopez (24) of Phoenix (AZ) pleaded guilty and was sentenced on August 1st, 2023 to 11 years and 2 months without parole. Another co-defendant, Vincente Aguilera, was sentenced in November to 16 months without parole.

On December 13th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Austin Bird (22) of Maryville in Nodaway County on a charge of DWI.

On December 13th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2013 Ford Fusion rearended a 2023 Chevy Traverse on Route 6 near Jamesport at around 4:50 pm. The Chevy was stopped in traffic waiting for another vehicle to turn. The driver of the Chevy and a passenger sustained minor injuries.

On December 15th, the Missouri Department of Agriculture reported cases of bird flu in poultry flocks in Cedar and Daviess County.

On December 15th, the City of Hamilton announced that the Police Chief and two other officers abruptly turned in their resignations.

On December 16th, Proevine Lennox Robins (51) of Springfield pleaded guilty in Western Missouri US District Court to charges of Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute and Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. A sentencing hearing will be held after the presentence investigation.

On December 16th, Cecil Pulluaim (54) of Raytown pleaded guilty in Western Missouri Federal District Court to two counts Production of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography. A sentencing hearing will be held after the presentence investigation.

On December 16th, Charles Welch (65) of Osage Beach (MO) pleaded guilty in Western Missouri US District Court to a charge of Obtaining Controlled Substance by Misrepresentation. The defendant was a nurse for a business which provided anesthesia services for Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach. The defendant allegedly stole fentanyl for his own personal use as well as other controlled substances. The defendant allegedly falsified records to make it look like they were given to patients. A sentencing hearing will be held after the presentence investigation.

On December 16th, Joshua Green (38) of Hamburg pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Circuit Court to a charge of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender (Felony). He was placed on five years probation by Judge Corey Herron.

On December 16th, Beau Bradshaw (56) of Republic (MO) pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Circuit Court to a charge of Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). He was placed on five years probation by Judge Corey Herron.

On December 16th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department arrested Teresa Maricione (44) of Mount Ayr on a charge of Driving While Barred. Bond was set at $2,000 cash with defendant given leave to post 10%.

On December 16th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department reported that Hadlie Sickels (23) of Redding was westbound on J55 at around 7:30 am when she lost traction due to slick road conditions and collided with a vehicle driven by Seth Montgomery (41) of Frazeysburg (OH). Sickels received minor injuries and was taken to Ringgold County Hospital.

Charges listed are merely allegations. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.