Camden Griffith Goes Deep, Fans 12; Hawks Hold Off Frantic Wildkat Rally

Gilman City's baseball team held off a frantic King City rally Friday and won on the road 10-7 to get their third win of the season. Camden Griffith carried the team on his shoulders, coming a triple short of the cycle with his bat and fanning 12 Wildkat batters. But when he ran out of pitches, King City struck in the seventh, and a seemingly comfortable 10-1 lead became 10-7 before Gilman City finally got out of the inning.

Parker Holcomb and Mason Preston walked to start the Hawk first and Camden Griffith singled to left, scoring Holcomb. Alex Young was plunked to load the bases. Jace Estrada and Dustin Ward grounded out, scoring two more runs to make it 3-0 before King City could get out of the inning. 

The Hawks struggled on the field, making eight errors, but somehow managed to work around them all night. A hit batter and a pair of Hawk errors made it 3-1 in the first.

King City threatened in the second after Wyatt Jackson reached on an error and Ryder Sample doubled to put runners on second and third. But Caiden Wainscott struck out to end the threat.

Mason Preston walked to start the Hawk third and Camden Griffith walked to put runners on second and third. Alex Young beat out an infield hit as Preston scored to make it 4-1. Jace Estrada struck out, but Dustin Ward grounded out to score Griffith to make it 5-1. 

Preston singled to start the Hawk fifth, and Camden Griffith got his third hit, a home run, to make it 7-1.

Preston helped the Hawks in the King City fifth with his arm as he threw out Graham Medsker stealing third to kill a King City rally. 

With one out in the Hawk sixth, Parker Holcomb walked. Mason Preston reached on a dropped fly, and Camden Griffith walked to load the bases. Alex Young singled home Mason Preston and Parker Holcomb as Camden Griffith took second.  Jace Estrada beat out an infield hit to load the bases. Dustin Ward grounded out to first to score Griffith to make it 10-1. Ward had three groundouts that led to RBI's for the night.

But then came the King City seventh and an error and two walks loaded the bases. Carter Heinrich singled in two runs and Gentry Law singled home another to make it 10-4. Kenstin Aborn walked. Wyatt Jackson struck out for the first out, but an error scored two to make it 10-6. Another error loaded the bases. Coy Cordonnier popped out, but Graham Medsker walked to force in a run and bring the winning run to the plate. But Jackson Shoop popped out to Camden Griffith at short to end the game.

Brock Healy Pitches Bluejays to First Victory; NEN Gains Split

Brock Healy pitched Northeast Nodaway's baseball team to its first win of the season Thursday as they overcame the Warriors and the wind to get an 11-7 win. The Bluejays jumped on Maryville 3-0 in its second game, only to struggle the rest of the way as the Spoofhounds gained a 10-3 win Friday.

At first, it looked like it would be all Albany in the first game as Barrett Worrell reached on an error and stole second to start the first. Landon Hawkins singled to left and Bentin Roberts tried to nail Worrell at third, but he was safe as Hawkins took second. Daulton Worrell singled home Barrett Worrell to make it 1-0 and Hawkins took third. Jay Anthony grounded to Reece Gray at short. He went to second for the force and Hawkins scored on the play to put Albany in front 2-0. Bentin Roberts made a catch in left and Reece Gray retired Will Fish on a groundout to get the Bluejays out of the inning.

But all hell threatened to break loose as John Rigney beat out an infield hit to start the second. He took second on a balk and Barrett Worrell doubled him home to put Albany up 3-0. Bentin Roberts dropped a line drive in left to put Landon Hawkins on first and Worrell on third. Daulton Worrell got his second in two innings as he singled home Barrett Worrell to make it 4-0 and Hawkins took third. Jay Anthony grounded into a fielder's choice to Brock Healy at third and everybody was safe and Albany led 5-0. Daulton Worrell scored on a passed ball to make it 6-0. Carter Dannar singled in Jay Anthony to make it 7-0. It would have been worse had not Northeast Nodaway picked Carter Dannar off first, ending the inning.

Northeast began its comeback bid in the third inning when Jordan Dannar walked. A pickoff got away, and Dannar took second. Lance Runde worked a 3-2 count before singling him home to make it 7-1. Reece Gray struck out, but Jace Burns grounded out to advance Runde to second. Wyatt Scadden reached on an error as Runde took third. Wyatt Scadden stole second. Brock Healy singled home Scadden and Runde to make it 7-3.

It looked like Northeast would be denied in the fourth as they grounded into a 4-6-3 double play to start the inning after Liam Cordell had walked. But Northeast then bunched singled from Jordan Dannar, Lance Runde, and Reece Gray to score another run and cut it to 7-5. 

Lance Runde got off to a rocky start in the first two innings, but got better as the game progressed, retiring eight out of the last 10 Warriors he faced after giving up seven hits in the first two innings. But to his credit, he didn't walk a single batter. Brock Healy came on in relief after there were two outs in the fifth and worked around three walks, leaving the Warriors hitless and striking out four to get the win.

With one out, Brock Healy singled and Bentin Roberts singled to put runners on first and second. Liam Cordell walked. Brady O'Connell grounded into a force play at second, but Brock Healy scored on the play to cut it to 7-5. Jordan Dannar singled to left to score Roberts and make it 7-6. 

The frustrating thing about the game for the Warriors was that all five Bluejay runs in the sixth inning were with two outs. Nine of Northeast's 11 runs were with two outs. Reece Gray walked to start the inning, but then Jace Burns grounded out and Wyatt Scadden struck out. But then Brock Healy walked, Bentin Roberts was plunked, and Reece Gray scored on an error to tie it at 7-7. Liam Cordell reached on another Warrior error to load the bases. 

Brady O'Connell then emptied the bases as he tripled to center and three runs scored to put the Bluejays in front 10-7. Jordan Dannar singled to right, scoring Mason Hiatt (running for O'Connell) to make it 11-7. 

But the final three outs are sometimes the hardest to get and Shae Miller was plunked and Carter Dannar walked on a 3-2 pitch. But Will Fish struck out looking on another 3-2 count. John Rigney lasted seven pitches, but grounded out for the second out, and Kaiden Smith grounded out to end the game.

The Bluejays put together 12 hits in the win. Jordan Dannar and Brock Healy had 3, Lance Runde and Bentin Roberts 2, and Reece Gray and Brady O'Connell 1. Brady O'Connell had 4 RBI's. Brock Healy and Jordan Dannar had 2, and Lance Runde and Reece Gray 1. 

Northeast picked up right where they left off in the Albany game against Maryville as Jordan Dannar walked to start the first and Lance Runde was plunked. They took second and third on a passed ball. Reece Gray singled on a line drive off the pitcher's glove, but Jordan Dannar was cut down trying to score as Runde held at second. Jace Burns, Brock Healy, and Wyatt Scadden walked to force in two runs and put the Bluejays up 2-0. Bentin Roberts grounded out to score Jace Burns to make it 3-0. 

Ben Houtchens grounded out to score Jackson Wilmes in the second to chip away and make it 3-1. Maryville took advantage of a pair of Bluejay errors in the top of the third to take a 4-3 lead. But Northeast got an unusual double play to get out of the inning. With runners on first and second, Ben Houtchens grounded to Bentin Roberts in left for an apparent base hit, only for Roberts to cut down Lucas Riley at third, and then they cut down Tyler Parsons at second for the double play.

Three walks, an error, and a hit batter helped put Maryville in front 7-3 in the fourth. It would have been worse, but catcher Brady O'Connell picked off a runner at third to end the inning. It was O'Connell's second pickoff of a runner at third in two games. O'Connell went on to pick another runner off first in the sixth to kill a Spoofhound rally. But three walks and an error doomed Northeast's chances in the seventh as three more Spoofhound runs crossed the plate. 

Congressman Sam Graves Announces Retirement

Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) has announced that he will retire from Congress at the end of this session. Graves released the following statement:

"When I first ran for State Representative back in 1992, my aspiration was to represent my hometown of Tarkio, Missouri. I was a twenty-seven year old farmer who just wanted to stand up for a way of life and his community.  I never could have imagined where that decision would take me.

For 8 years in the Missouri House and Senate, I fought for Northwest Missourians. From deregulating vehicle inspections, to standing for chain gangs, to securing funding for rural schools in the desegregation fight, I never lost sight of why I was sent to Jefferson City. Then, in 2000, the good, hardworking people of Missouri’s Sixth District entrusted me to be their voice in Congress.

For 26 years, I have had the privilege of serving, culminating in becoming the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and passing some of the most significant legislation in our nation’s history.  The responsibility entrusted to me is not something I have ever taken for granted. Not for a single day.

What I’m most proud of is the work my team did when Washington made life harder for the people of Missouri’s Sixth. Together, we stood with hundreds of thousands of Missourians in their toughest moments.  We helped them cut through red tape and navigate a system that often felt stacked against them.  We got them answers and fought to deliver real results when they needed them most.

I’ve said all of that to say this: After considerable reflection, 2026 will be my final year in Congress.  This wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s the right one. I believe in making room for the next generation. It’s time to pass the torch and allow a new guard of conservative leaders to step forward and chart a path forward for Missourians.

That doesn’t mean I’m slowing down, not even close.  As I enter the 4th quarter of my life, I have more left in me. As many of you know, I don't let grass grow under my feet. We’ve still got a lot of work to do. I’m going to fight to protect Missouri interests as we work to shape this year’s Highway Bill. I plan to finish this last term the same way I started, full speed ahead.

Maintaining our strong democratic republic will always depend on good people stepping up to serve from every corner of our great nation. I’m grateful for my colleagues in both parties, for the people I’ve worked alongside, and even for the opponents who challenged me and made me better. Public service isn’t easy. It takes hard work, humility, a thick skin, and a willingness to fight for what’s right.

At the end of the day, I’m still the farmer from Northwest Missouri. You’ll find me back home on the farm nearly every weekend, after all, it is planting season. In fact, I’ll probably be on a tractor this weekend. And come Monday, I’ll be heading back through Kansas City on my way to D.C. to keep doing the job you sent me there to do.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. 

It has been the honor of a lifetime."

 

David German 1955-2026

David “Dave” Eugene German was born to William and Doris (Brown) German on March 30, 1955 in Osceola, Iowa.  He passed away at his home in Maloy, Iowa on March 24, 2026.  He was preceded in death by parents William and Doris German and infant son James.  He is survived by his wife Connie of Maloy, Iowa and sons Joseph and Nicholas German of Grand River, Iowa.  He is also survived by his sister Kathy (Jerry) Lakatos and brothers Randy German and Rick German.  At Dave’s request there will be no funeral service.  The family will have a celebration of life on April 11, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Blockton Christian Church at 403 Stevenson in Blockton, Iowa.  Private burial will be at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton, Iowa.

Allendale Levy Renewal on Ballot

The ballots in the last issue omitted the Allendale levy renewal. It is a 20-cent levy renewal for the city. This is not a new tax increase, but a renewal of an existing levy.

The election will be on April 7th. Polls will open at 6 am and close at 7 pm.

The Worth County School Board will not have an election this year. There were three positions open this year and only three candidates filed. Michael Mullock, Adam Downing, and Jared Harding will be sworn in at the April Worth County School Board meeting.

 

 

Success Ready Student Assessment Discussed at State Board

The State Board of Education (State Board) approved the accredited status of educator preparation providers during its Tuesday meeting. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) also provided updates on through-year assessments.

Annual Performance Report

The State Board unanimously approved the accredited status of 41 initial teacher preparation providers and 17 advanced educator preparation providers.

State law requires the State Board to determine the accreditation status of Educator Preparation Providers (EPP) in Missouri annually. In order to inform the State Board’s decision, DESE provided recommendations based on the Annual Performance Reports for each EPP.

Through-Year Testing

The Office of School Quality shared progress with the State Board on the development of through-year assessments.

Last year, Missouri was granted a waiver by the U.S Department of Education to pilot a through-year assessment focused on improving existing assessments in English Language Arts and mathematics.

The Success-Ready Student Assessment is designed to provide opportunity throughout the school year for students to show mastery of the Missouri Learning Standards. Currently, the Missouri Standards are assessed with an end-of-year summative assessment of which those results are not immediately available.

This spring, 14 classrooms comprised of 200 students participated in a small-scale pilot. Overall, the feedback the department received was positive with teachers saying they appreciate the quick turnaround time for results. This feedback will be used to refine the design of the year-long pilot for the 2026-27 school year.

Other Items

The State Board discussed the process of creating the commissioner’s evaluation tool. This tool, aligned with DESE’s strategic plan, will be used to establish annual goals and monitor progress.

The State Board received an update on the department’s proposed initiatives to remove unnecessary obstacles to receive a Missouri certification to teach. This presentation allowed State Board members to provide feedback on the inconsistencies within the department’s current requirements.

The next State Board of Education meeting is scheduled for April 14, 2026.

 

Jake Hoy, Jess Greiman Resign from North Nodaway

The North Nodaway School Board accepted the resignations of K-12 PE teacher Jess Greiman and High School Math teacher Jake Hoy at the end of the school year. The resignations mean that North Nodaway will be looking for a new junior high basketball coach and a new varsity boys basketball coach. The move creates a coaching carousel for the boys basketball team, who will see their third coach in three years next year.

The board added Jaycie Miner to the substitute teacher list.

The board hired or rehired Lexi Harger (elementary), Lindsay Eckert (elementary),  Catherine Auffert (middle school/high school special ed), Troy Nally (ag), Cody Bix (science), Emily Bix (language arts), Sami Jackson (title), Cynthia Martin (librarian), Audrey Boulting (elementary special ed), Nathan Schoonover (business), Kyle Fitzgerald (music/band), Cameron Morrison (counselor), Reid Hart (social studies), Brooke McMahon (elementary), Andrew Hunsucker (elementary), Karissa Oberhauser (elementary), Mattie Rhoades (elementary), and Victor West (STEM). All votes were unanimous. Jennifer Clements and Stuart Clements abstained on the vote for Lexi Harger. Jennifer Clements abstained on the vote for Lindsay Eckert. Kane Oberhauser abstained on the vote for Karissa Oberhauser.

Elementary Principal Heather Townsend reported that the school recently celebrated Dr. Seuss Day. There were four rotation stations around the school. North Nodaway A+ students came to help with the stations and read books to the kids.

There was an 82% attendance rate for parent/teacher conferences.

A literacy showcase for third through fifth grades was held on March 3rd. Students showed off their writing skills. Around 60 families attended. The Pre-K through 2nd grade held their literacy night March 10th. Students showed off their handwriting, spelling, and reading comprehension skills. Thirteen families showed up.

High School Principal Cody Jenkins reported that the school had its Academic Showcase. Highlights included Greek Gods, an egg drop, and the Rube Goldberg projects. There was a Middle School play performed.

Superintendent Chris Turpin reported that the school board will discuss salary increases for staff at the next meeting. The school is still looking at how legislation is going to affect the school budget. The current base is $36,420, while the Teacher Baseline Grant will open in June.

The school will have a Comprehensive School Improvement Plan meeting at the Cafeteria on April 8th at 6:00 pm. All people are welcome to attend. The school will start the process of rewriting the plan.

The school will swear in new board members and go over non-certified staff at its next meeting.

Superintendent Turpin, Principal Cody Jenkins, and teacher Troy Nally will tour schools who have already started the Success Ready Student Network initiative. One place they will visit is the innovation center in Olathe (KS).

The school is submitting a grant application for a possible pavilion to be built in Hopkins for Ag Structures students.

The school is in the process of getting bids for asphalting a parking area, concrete sidewalks, and redoing the gym floors at the high school. The majority of these items are budgeted in this year’s budget.