Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for November 4th, 2026

On October 26th, Special Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Lee Ann Miles of Bethany in Harrison County alleging Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Felony) and Elder Abuse (Felony). Bond was set at $25,000, cash only. No contact with victims or witnesses. This is in addition to charges filed earlier in October. Judge Jay Hemenway recused himself from the case, and Judge Carrie Clark was assigned. 

On October 27th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Deiter filed charges against Thomas Gilliland (29) of Maryville alleging three counts Violation of Protection Order. Bond was set at $500 signature bond. 

On October 27th, KMBC reported that Richard Storey, a priest accused of stealing from his church in Leawood (KS), pleaded guilty to a charge of Stealing. The defendant allegedly spent $77,000 in cruise vacations and $20,000 for a casino cash withdrawal along with purchases for eyewear, weight loss expenses, retail, and more. 

On October 28th, the Page County (IA) Sheriff’s Department announced a guilty plea of a College Springs man for Animal Neglect charges. In March, the Page County Sheriff’s Department and the Animal Rescue League of Iowa rescued 23 dogs from the property in question.

On October 28th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Deiter filed charges against Andrew Faustlin (29) of Ravenwood alleging Harassment (Felony). Bond was set at $5,000 signature bond.

On October 28th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Deiter filed charges against Santiago Hernandez (27) of Maryville alleging DWI, Careless & Imprudent Driving, Speeding, Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway, Failure to Stop, and No Valid License. 

On October 28th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Deiter filed charges against Marcus Knighton (49) of Bedford alleging DWI (Felony), Unlawful Possession of Firearm (Felony), and Driving While Revoked. Bond was set at $5,000, cash or corporate surety.

On October 28th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Deiter filed charges against Braxton King (20) of Maryville alleging DWI (Prior) and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway.

On October 28th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Deiter filed charges against Racheal Sybert (34) of Maryville alleging DWI and No Headlights. 

On October 28th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Deiter filed charges against Yoandy Rodriguez Silva (40) of St. Joseph alleging DWI, Speeding (82 mph), No Valid License, and No Insurance.

On October 28th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Deiter filed charges against Hanna Lane (26) of Maryville alleging Harassment (Felony). Bond was set at $5,000, signature bond. 

On October 28th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Deiter filed charges against Cheyenne Reeves (30) of Burlington Junction alleging Stealing.

On October 28th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Deiter filed charges against Richard Ulmer (66) of Maryville alleging Harassment. 

On October 28th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Deiter filed charges against Bryant McCord (26) of Grant City alleging DWI and Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident). 

On October 28th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Deiter filed charges against Courtlynn Hundley (30) of St. Joseph alleging Stealing (Felony) and Harassment. Bond was set at $5,000 signature bond. Defendant may have no contact with or be within 1,000 feet of the victim, their family members, their schools, homes, or their places of employment. 

On October 28th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Deiter filed charges against Travis Carter (23) of Hamilton alleging DWI and Failure to Maintain One Lane. 

On October 28th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Deiter filed charges against Gary Emery (54) of Hopkins alleging Making a False Report.

On October 28th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Deiter filed charges against Christian Brogdon (26) of Maryville alleging Driving While Revoked, No Insurance, Failure to Register, and Displaying Plates of Another. 

On October 28th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Deiter filed charges against Albert Ferguson (41) of Skidmore alleging Burglary (Felony). 

On October 28th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office reported that Kelvin Lopez-Leonardo (32) of Honduras pleaded guilty in Federal Court to Alien in Possession of Firearm and Unlawful Reentry. He was sentenced to one year and one day in prison. The defendant had allegedly been removed from the US three different times. 

On October 28th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office announced that Dara O’Connor (30) of Kansas City was sentenced to two years in Federal Prison followed by two years of supervised release after the defendant had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of Possession of Unregistered Destructive Devices. The defendant made restitution of $43,612 for damages. The defendant had allegedly attempted to destroy a warehouse that the ICE had sought to purchase and use as a detention facility for undocumented immigrants during adjudication of their removal proceedings. The purchase did not go through. 

On October 29th, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office announced indictments against Gerri Jackman, 54; Gabriel Briones, 32; Michael Davis, 31; Christopher Jackman, 37; John Jackman, 35; Antonio O’Field, 35; Rahonda Pitts, 46; Adrian Smith, aka Adrian Truth, 39; Ayshawn Smith, 39; Flora Stevenson, 50; and Victoria Townsend, 33 of the Kansas City area alleging a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain PPP money from the government during COVID-19. Defendant Jackman allegedly received payments from the other defendants to fraudulently file false PPP loan applications, created false IRS forms for nonexistent businesses, and inflated income for existing businesses. All but one of the defendants received two PPP loans of $20,833. One obtained loans of $20,833 and $29,166. The indictment is seeking forfeiture of $41,666 from each defendant, including any property obtained. 

On October 29th, Lewis Lamb (75) of Albany entered an Alford Plea in Gentry County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Keeping a Dangerous Dog. He was assessed $315.50 in fines and costs by Judge Rebecca McGinley.

On October 29th, Daviess County Prosecutor Andrea Beth Gibson filed charges against Amaya Powell-Jackson (21) of Pattonsburg alleging Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Felony) and Failure to Stop Person Under 21 from Drinking Alcohol. Bond was set at $10,000, cash only. 

On October 30th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Jordan Hunter (33) of Albany alleging DWI and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway.

On October 30th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Deiter filed charges against Rason Fowler (20) of Creston alleging Assault and Property Damage.

On November 1st, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 37-year-old Gallatin woman was injured when her car hydroplaned in rainy conditions as she attempted to turn from Route 6 to Route V in Daviess County. 

On November 2nd, Lee Norman (45) of Ravenwood pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Circuit Court to two counts Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony). He was sentenced to five years in the Missouri Department of Corrections by Judge Corey Herron.

On November 2nd, Harrison County Prosecutor Michael Wulff filed charges against Jose Rodriguez (41) of Bethany alleging Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Felony). Bond was set at $2,000, cash only. 

On November 2nd, Harrison County Prosecutor Michael Wulff filed charges against Kevin Shakespeare (43) of Lamoni alleging Failure to Comply with Halloween Sex Offender Restrictions. Bond was set at $1,000, cash only. 

On November 3rd, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office announced charges against Iseah Jackson (23) of St. Louis alleging Felon in Possession of Firearm (Felony).

On November 3rd, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office announced charges against Michael Lomax (57) and Mario Lomax (19) of Kansas City (KS) alleging Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping, Unlawful Use of a Firearm, Carjacking, and other related offenses. The defendants are a grandfather and grandson. 

On November 3rd, the Iowa State Highway Patrol reported that three Amish people, including two teens, were injured when the buggy they were in was struck by a Ford F-350 on Route J55 in Ringgold County near Road P68 at around 10:00 am.

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.

Community Calendar for November 4th, 2026

Community Calendar items are free of charge. To submit, email us at express@grm.net. All events are subject to change or last-minute cancelation. 

REPEATING EVENTS

Sundays – Worth County Community Choir Practices, Psalm 100 Ministries (formerly the United Methodist Church), 3:00 pm. 

Mondays (except holidays) – Worth County Commissioners meet at 9 am.

Every 1st & 3rd Tuesday – Grant City Lions Club, Allendale Community Building, 7 pm. 

Wednesdays – Pitch games at the Worth County Senior Center.

Thursdays – 102 Market, weekly market every Thursday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in Maryville. 

Fridays – Bedford Jam, United Christian Presbyterian Church, 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Snacks and drinks available. Walk-ons are welcome. For information, call (712) 523-2282.

Fridays– Community Market, Memorial Park Shelter, Bethany. Fridays 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. 

Saturdays – Stanberry Community Farmers Market, 8 am to noon. Crafts, donuts, and more. Located six miles north of Stanberry on Highway B to AF. 4371 Highway AF. 

REGULAR ANNOUNCEMENTS 

November 5th -- Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

November 5th – NEN School and Community Health Fair in the commons area, 4:30 pm. Bluejay JH Basketball vs. Worth County, 5:30 pm. 

November 6th – Ham ball Fundraiser for Hopkins Picnic. Cost is $15 per dozen. To order, call Melissa Chesnut (660) 254-4790 or any Hopkins Community Club member. Deadline is November 6th. Pick up November 18th from 5 pm to 7 pm at the Hopkins Community Building. 

November 6th – Tiger Football vs. King City, 7:00 pm. District Semifinals.

November 6th – Conception Seminary play, “A Mouse in the House.” St. Michal Hall Gymnasium, Conception Seminary College. Friday, November 6th at 8:00 pm. Saturday, November 7th at 8:00 pm. Sunday, November 8th at 2:30 pm. Admission $10. Children 12 & under free. 

November 7th – Martinsville Methodist Church Lord’s Acre Sale. Free Will Donation Dinner at 11:00 am. Auction by Dick Crabtree at 1:00 pm. 

November 7th – Redding United Methodist Church Harvest Luncheon and Auction. Lunch 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Auction 1:00 pm. 

November 7th – Shredded beef dinner, 6:00 pm, Worth County Community Church. Eat-in or carry out. Free will donation. Proceeds will go to Psalm 100 Ministries for upcoming programs. 

November 8th to 11th – Ridgeway Baptist Church Fall Revival. Sunday, November 8th at 10:45 am and 7:00 pm with Ron Ratliff. Monday and Tuesday, November 9th and 10th at 7:00 pm with Casey Joyce. Wednesday, November 11th at 7:00 pm with Tim Wilson. 

November 9th – 275 Conference Band Day at Northwest Missouri State. 

November 9th – No school at Worth County. Professional Development. 

November 10th -- The Worth County Assessor's Office will have an informational forum to explain how the Assessor's office works, address general concerns, and answer questions on November 10th at 6 pm at the Golf Clubhouse. Collector Jessica Davidson will also be present to answer general tax payment questions.

November 11th – No mail delivery. Veterans Day.

November 11th – North Harrison Veterans Day Program, 10:00 am. 

November 11th – NEN Veterans Day Assembly, 10:00 am, Samson Court. A meal will be provided after the assembly.

November 11th – Worth County Veterans Day Program, 2 pm. 

November 12th – North Harrison Cyberpalooza, 9:00 am. 

November 12th – Worth County Suicide Prevention Coalition Meeting, 6:00 pm, Worth County Community Church. 

November 13th – Early dismissal at Gilman City. Professional Development. 

November 13th – North Nodaway Veterans Day Assembly, 9:00 am.

November 13th – Pot Luck, Worth County Senior Center, 12 noon. Free will donation.

November 13th – Gentry Opry. Doors open 5:00 pm. Show starts 7:30 pm. Special guest Kendell Misemer. Concessions available. 

November 14th – Vendor and Craft Fair, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Wibholm Hall, Clarinda. 

November 14th – Kirkley Chapel Lord’s Acre Sale, Ridgeway School. Free will donation lunch at 11:00 am. Auction at 1:00 pm. 

November 15th -- Tri-C Memorial Post 464 Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am, Conception Junction. $10 minimum donation per person. Children six and under are free. Proceeds to Missouri Girls State. 

November 15th – Sheridan Express Cooperative Board Meeting, Sheridan Housing Laundry Room, 3:00 pm. 

November 18th – North Harrison School Board Meeting, 5:30 pm. 

November 18th – Worth County School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm.

November 18th – North Nodaway School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm. 

November 19th – University Extension, the Nature Conservancy, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and local partners will host a Native Seed Collection Workshop at the Mozingo Outdoor Education & Recreation Area from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

November 19th -- Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

November 21st -- Hopkins CBC Bingo, 5:00 pm, Community Building.

November 24th – Early dismissal at North Nodaway and Gilman City, Thanksgiving.

November 25th to 29th – All schools dismiss for Thanksgiving Break. School will resume on November 30th. 

November 26th – Thanksgiving. No school or mail delivery.

November 29th – Ravenwood CBC Breakfast, 8:00 am to noon, Ravenwood Community Building. 

November 29th – Advent activities at Worth County Community Church. Craft activities from 4:00 to 6:00 pm for kids; adults can participate too. $1 dinner from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. 

December 3rd -- Hopkins Food Pantry, 3 pm to 5 pm, Hopkins Christian Church Parsonage.

December 4th to 6th – Crowder State Park to close for a managed deer hunt. 

December 5th -- The Hopkins Community Club is raffling a Henry Golden Boy HMR .17 for the Hopkins Picnic. Cost is $10 per ticket or three for $20. The drawing will be held December 5th at the Christmas Soup Supper. Proceeds will support the 2027 Hopkins Picnic. For questions or to enter, call (660) 254-4790 or (660) 541-0082.

December 5th – The Hopkins Christmas Craft Show will be held from 9 am to 2 pm on Saturday, December 5th. They are seeking vendors. Participation fee is $25 (non-refundable); must be paid at registration. Booth sizes will be 8x8. To register, contact Sara Coleman (660) 254-6060 or Gina Wray (660) 254-8721. 

December 5th – Charity Benefit for the family of Craig Burks, Gentry Lions Hall, 2 pm to 6 pm. Doors open at noon, Concessions available; cash only. Donations at the door. 50/50 raffle. Craig Burks was a long-time drummer for the Gentry Opry. 

December 6th – Legion Breakfast, Parnell Legion Hall, 8:00 am. 

December 6th – Eagleville Night of Lights, 4 pm to 6 pm. Lighted parade, cookie and ornament decorating, Santa letter writing, pictures with Santa, games, hot cocoa and cider bar, and entertainment. 

December 7th – North Harrison Fall Sports Awards, 5:30 pm. 

December 7th – Grant City Skating Rink opening at 6:00 pm. They are still booking private parties. 

December 8th – Winter Academic Night at North Nodaway, 5:15 pm. Middle School/High School Winter Concert, 7:00 pm. 

December 9th – North Nodaway Elementary Art Show and Winter Program, 5:30 pm. 

December 10th – North Harrison Elementary Christmas Concert, 6:00 pm. 

December 10th – Worth County Christmas Concert, 7:30 pm. 

December 11th – Pot Luck, 12 noon, Worth County Senior Center.

December 11th – NEN Christmas Concert for PK through 12th grade, 6:00 pm. 

December 12th – Ravenwood Winter Festival. 

December 12th – North Harrison Winter Dance. Junior High from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. North Harrison students only. High School from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. Out-of-school dates must be signed up in advance. 

December 12th – Dueling Pianos in concert at The Honey Hole, Diagonal, 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

December 12th – 2nd Annual Testicle Festival, Stanberry Community Building, 6:00 pm. Mountain oysters, beef hot dogs, Cattlemen hand-cut fries, beans, cole slaw, dessert. Free will donation. Sponsored by the Gentry/Worth Cattlemen’s Association. 

December 14th – No school at North Nodaway. Professional Development. 

December 16th – Worth County School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm.

December 16th – North Nodaway School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm.

December 17th – North Nodaway Fall Sports Banquet, 6:00 pm.

December 17th – NEN School Board Meeting, 7:00 pm.

December 18th – Early Dismissal at Worth County, Gilman City, North Harrison, and NEN, Christmas Break.

December 18th – Northeast Nodaway PTO Taco Bar in the Old Gym for a Free Will Donation at 4:00 pm. The Northeast Nodaway vs. DeKalb game will follow. 

December 18th – Shamrock Basketball vs. Pattonsburg, 5:00 pm. Senior Night. 

December 21st – Worth County and NEN dismiss for Christmas Break.

December 22nd – North Nodaway early dismissal for Christmas Break.

December 25th – Christmas Day. No mail delivery.

December 27th -- Ravenwood CBC Breakfast, 8:00 am to noon, Ravenwood Community Building.

December 31st -- The Forney Brothers and friends will be performing at a New Year's Eve Dance Thursday, December 31st at the American Legion Hall in Bedford from 8:00 pm to 12 midnight. Performing will be Jerry Forney, Phil Forney, Dennis White, and Brooke Turner. Advanced tickets will be $20 per person per couple and $10 per person. At the door, tickets will be $30 per couple and $15 per person. To get tickets, contact Sara Coleman at (660) 254-6060.

January 1st – New Year’s Day. No mail delivery.

March 16th – Hopkins Historical Society Meeting, 7:00 pm. 

April 30th – Maysville Baseball vs. Plattsburg at the Field of Dreams site in Dyersville (IA) at 5:00 pm. 

May 29th – North Nodaway Alumni Reunion, North Nodaway School, 5:30 pm. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Hit Double Figures as Bluejay Girls Beat Platte Valley 52-19

Three Bluejays hit double figures as the Northeast Nodaway Junior High girls team beat Platte Valley 52-19 Thursday.

Harlyn Skoglund did all she could to keep her team in the game, scoring 13 of her team's 19 points. But the Bluejays pulled away late at the end of the first quarter to a 13-5 lead and built up a 28-12 lead by halftime. They continued to extend it to 45-16 at the end of three and crossed the running clock threshold early in the fourth.

Emma Wilmes, Ellie Jackson, and Bexlie Busby each had 13 points for the Bluejays. Aubrey Wilmes had 7, Kenzley Yost 3, Eryn O'Connell 2, and Jordann Doty 1.

Eryn O'Connell had 1 blocked shot.

Bexlie Busby got her first double-double with 10 boards. Aubrey Wilmes had 7, Ellie Jackson 6, Kenzley Yost 5, Jordann Doty 3, Emma Wilmes 2, and Eryn O'Connell 1.

Aubrey Wilmes had 6 assists. Ellie Jackson had 4, and Emma Wilmes 4.

Bexlie Busby had 5 tips. Emma Wilmes had 3, Aubrey Wilmes 2, Emma Wilmes 2, Kenzley Yost 1, and Jordann Doty 1.

Emma Wilmes had 9 steals. Aubrey Wilmes had 5, Kenzley Yost 3, Bexlie Busby 2, Ellie Jackson 1, and Jordann Doty 1.

The "B" girls also won 12-5. Jennifer Stoll had 4 points. Aurora Claphan had 3, Quin Oelze 2, Jasmine Garnett 2, and Arlee Sobotka 1. With Platte Valley trying to get the ball back, Jasmine Garnett stepped up with 47 seconds left in the second and hit both her free throws to seal the game.

The "A" boys were shorthanded; without their best player and ballhandler in Cooper Jackson (flu), they were no match for Platte Valley, falling 59-2. Noah Cordell scored the lone two points.

The "B" boys won an exciting game 6-4 when a last-second triple by Platte Valley that would have won it went astray. Beckem Kennard and Noah Cordell hit free throws in the last minute to put the Bluejays ahead and break a 4-4 tie.

Hopkins Passes New Water Ordinance, Sets Rates

At their regular city council meeting Monday, the Hopkins City Council voted to adopt a new water ordinance concerning charges, deposits, past-due accounts, delinquent accounts, and partial payments. 

For residential users, customers will be charged for $50 per month minimum for the first 1,000 gallons of water. For each additional 1,000 gallons, users will be charged $20 per month. A sewer charge will be charged $30 per month minimum for the first 1,000 gallons or less of water used and 70% of the amount of water used over 1,000 gallons for all customers with sewer hookups.

For commercial users, customers will be charged $40 per month minimum for the first 1,000 gallons, followed by a charge of $20 for each additional 1,000 gallons. A sewer charge of a minimum of $30 per month for the first 1,000 gallons or less of water will be charged, plus 70% of the amount of water used over 1,000 gallons for all customers with sewer hookups.

For users outside the city limits, there will be a charge of $55 per 1,000 gallons minimum. For all over 1,000 gallons, there will be a charge of $35 for each 1,000 gallons or fraction thereof.

All bills will be due monthly and subject to Missouri Sales Tax. 

If any bill for water and wastewater services becomes past due for 30 days, service to such customers shall be disconnected, and shall not be reconnected until all past due bills are paid in full, together with a reconnection charge of $30. 

All applications by new customers for water and sewer services shall be accompanied by a $300 deposit, which will be refunded when the final bill is settled. If an existing customer moves from one residence to another within the city, the deposit will be transferred, so long as the bill at the previous residence is paid in full.

Any new water connections will be charged as an installation fee, the actual cost of the meter well, lid and ring, meter and readout, loop, shutoff valve, backflow device, and all pipes and fittings. The city will provide the line to the owner or occupant providing it is less than 50 feet; in the event it is more than 50 feet, the council will have the option of charging the remaining footage to the user.

In the event of a large water leak, the council, at its discretion, will offer a flexible payment plan. In the event of negligence or malfunction resulting in leakage of water, the user shall be responsible for making repairs. In the event repairs are not made, the city has the right to shut off water and bill the user for any expense the city incurred in the repair of its water lines.

If the user is not receiving city water service, either by having his own water system or by having the water shut off, but they are connected to the city sewer system, the user is still obligated to pay the minimum sewer fee. The council can waive the fee is the sewer hookup is not in use and has been properly capped to the satisfaction of the board.

The city shall have the right to sue the occupent and/or owner, or both, for the cost of the bill plus a reasonable attorney's fee in the event of nonpayment.

The user shall be responsible for the maintenance and repair of their water line from their property line in, and for such maintenance and repair of the sewer line from the street edge line in. 

All utility service statements shall be due and payable in full on or before the 20th day of the month following the date on which the statement was mailed. Bills not paid on or before the 20th of the month shall be deemed past due, with delinquency fees applied between the 25th and the last day of the month. There will be a $5 late fee on past due water bills and a $5 late fee on past due sewer bills. The city shall assess a finance fee equal to 20% of the portion of any utility service bill becoming past due.

After a bill is declared past due, if a bill is still not paid, it will become delinquent on the first of the month. The city shall then commence notification to the customer of the city's intent to disconnect utility service to the customer. Notice will be sent at least ten days prior to shutoff by mail indicating total amount due on accounts that are overdue by 30 days or more. 

Once water service is shut off, then full amount due must be paid before water service can be turned back on. Water service will be turned back on only during regular business hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and someone must be present at the residence. A $30 reconnect fee will be charged and collected at the time the water service is turned back on. 

If a customer makes a partial payment on a utility service account, it shall first be credited against any past due or delinquent utility service balance.

Editorial -- Plattsburg Boys Run Up Score on Gilman City & Tri-C Coop

 On Monday night, the Plattsburg junior high boys won 71-5 in a lopsided score against a Gilman City & Tri-County squad that has been struggling this year. 

We get it that there are certain things to consider. You can't ask kids not to run with the ball or to not take a wide open layup. You can't ask kids not to play hard. You don't want the losing team to decide that it can pick on your JV, like certain teams did to Worth County's football teams during the 2000's. 

But what happened Monday night was beyond the pale. Plattsburg kept their press on the whole game, with the game already decided. Their coach was yelling at the Gilman City and Tri-County fans. 

The mercy rule in basketball is there for a reason. Once the score goes above 30 points in the fourth quarter, the clock runs even during periods when it normally stops, except when there is an injury or a time-out. 

Worth County and Northeast Nodaway have two of the best junior high girls teams in the area. They both like to press, but once it becomes obvious that the game is won, they take the press off and drop back into a half-court defense and start putting their subs in. By the middle of the third or the start of the fourth, they sub freely. 

MSHSAA and the NFHS should consider extending the running clock. If the margin is 30 or more points in the second half, the clock should run. If the margin goes below 30 points, then the clock should start and stop as normal. The goal should not be to run up the score, but to give opportunities for kids on both sides who don't normally get to play.

We understand that kids are a lot more quicker and athletic than when we were young. A 20-25 point lead is not always safe, even in junior high. Worth County's girls once lost a 30-16 lead because they cleared their bench too soon back around 2010. But a 30+ point lead with a running clock is plenty safe. 

Having kids play hard through all four quarters and teaching all-out effort is fine. Deliberately running up the score by keeping the press on and leaving in one's starters when there is nothing more to prove is not.

Gwyn Healy Paces Tigers in Girls Game; Wild Three by Chase Davidson Sparks Tigers in Boys Win; Kade Adams' Free Throw Lifts "B" Boys

Gwyn Healy had 14 points, and Worth County and Northeast Nodaway's junior high girls are on a collision course for Thursday after Worth County got a 43-7 win over North Harrison Monday. 

The first quarter was a ragged start for the Tigers. North Harrison had an advantage, since they had three games under their belt, while Worth County had one, and had not played for a week. But the Tigers managed to generate some early pressure as Gwyn Healy scored off a Renae Gladstone steal, and Jolee Hauber raced down the floor and fed Gladstone for a finish. Jolee Hauber showed she was once of the most improved players for the Tigers over last year as she cashed in off a Gladstone steal and knocked down a putback. Millie Long countered with a cut inside for the Shamrocks, but the visitors trailed 8-2 after one.

But Worth County turned it into high gear in the second quarter as Gwyn Healy had back-to-back threes for six points, Hauber added five, and two other newcomers to the rotation, Daden Findley and Gabbey Maudlin, added four each. Renae Gladstone added two as the Tiers led 29-8 at the half. They feasted off Shamrock turnovers, as North Harrison surrendered the ball 34 times for the game, while Worth County only turned it over seven times.

Millie Long did all she could for the Shamrocks, knocking down a triple to start the third, but Gwyn Healy hit four more, and Kinley Fletchall and Kyah Joslin got on the board. Healy, Hauber, and Findley all added two in the final period. 

For Worth County, Gwyn Healy had 14, Jolee Hauber 11, Daden Findley 6, Gabbey Maudlin and Renae Gladstone 4, and Kinley Fletchall and Kyah Joslin 2 each. 

Hadley Downing had 5 boards. Gwyn Healy and Gabbey Maudlin had 4, Jolee Hauber 3, Keylee Smith, Kyah Joslin, Renae Gladstone, and Daden Findley 2, and Addie Cadle and Ilene Combs 1.

Keylee Smith had 4 assists, feeding the low post from the high post at will. Renae Gladstone had 3, Kyah Joslin 2, and Jolee Hauber, Addie Cadle, Gwyn Healy, Kinley Fletchall, and Kylie Combs 1.

Renae Gladstone had 7 tips. Keylee Smith had 3, Gwyn Healy, Kyah Joslin, and Addie Cadle 2, and Jolee Hauber, Daden Findley, and Hadley Downing 1.

Renae Gladstone had 7 steals. Hadley Downing had 6, Gwyn Healy, Jolee Hauber, and Kyah Joslin 3, Keylee Smith and Daden Findley 2, and Gabbey Maudlin and Addie Cadle 1.

Millie Long had 7 for North Harrison.

McKenna Hill had 8 boards. Millie Long had 4, Hadley Williams 3, and Quincy Norris and Tayley Johnson 1.

McKenna Hill and Quincy Norris had 1 assist.

Tayley Johnson had 4 tips. McKenna Hill had 2, and Hadley Williams, Quincy Norris, and Taryn Johnson had 1. 

Tayley Johnson had 2 steals, and Millie Long had 1.

The "B" Tigers won the giveaway/takeaway battle 14-3 and the game 5-0. Addie Cadle had a 3-pointer, while Daden Findley added an inside shot for the Tigers.

Daden Findley had 1 block.

Hadley Downing had 4 boards. Kylee Combs and Ilene Combs had 2. Addie Cadle, Kinley Fletchall, and Daden Findley had 1.

Hadley Downing and Kylie Combs had 1 assist.

Hadley Downing had 2 tips. Kinley Fletchall, Kyah Joslin, Daden Findley, and Kylie Combs had 1.

Hadley Downing and Kinley Fletchall had 3 steals. Kylie Combs, Elley Maudlin, and Daden Findley had 2.

For North Harrison, Tymber Richardson and Sierra Renner had 1 block.

Hattie Hogan had 5 boards. She did all she could to keep her team in the game, taking after her grandfather, Tom Hogan, who was one of the best rebounders that Ridgeway ever produced during his playing days. Karsyn Smith had 3, Sierra Renner 2, and Taryn Johnson 1.

Sierra Renner and Karsyn Smith had 1 steal.

The boys game was an all-out war before Chase Davidson's wild three late in the third broke a 19-19 tie and sparked Worth County to a 33-27 win. 

At first, Worth County got the better of a defensive struggle, only for Ty Ledgerwood to hit a running three at the first quarter buzzer to put North Harrison up 5-4. Then, Charlie Frank and the Shamrocks raced ahead to an 11-6 lead in the second before foul trouble sent key players to the bench and allowed Worth County to climb back to a 16-15 halftime lead. The teams traded blow for blow in the third quarter before a wild three by Chase Davidson went in, and Max Hiatt added a shot before Kade Smith cut it to 24-21 at the third quarter buzzer. 

But after Charlie Frank fouled out to start the fourth quarter, Max Hiatt got a steal, Chase Davidson got a putback, Max Hiatt cashed in off a Mason Hern steal, and Davidson scored from inside before a frantic barrage by Ledgerwood got the Shamrocks back to within six at the final buzzer.

For Worth County, Max Hiatt had 13. Chase Davidson had 11, Jace Mullock 6, Grayson Mullock 2, and Luca Sagel 1.

Chase Davidson and Jace Mullock had 1 block.

Jace Mullock went beast mode for the night, getting 15 rebounds. Max Hiatt had 11, Chase Davidson 4, Mason Hern and Luca Sagle 3 each, and Case Downing and Grayson Mullock with 2.

Mason Hern had 4 assists. Jace Mullock had 3, Luca Sagel 2, and Max Hiatt 1.

Mason Hern had 3 tips. Luca Sagel, Grayson Mullock, and Max Hiatt had 2, and Chase Davidson and Jace Mullock had 1.

Max Hiatt lived up to his nickname of "Mad Max," as he had 8 steals on the night, going bezerk on the floor, and helping everyone else out as well. Mason Hern had 3, Luca Sagel and Grayson Mullock 2, and Chase Davidson 1.

For North Harrison, Charlie Frank had 12, Ty Ledgerwood 9, Jhet Rinehart 4, and Kade Smith 2.

Charlie Frank had 2 blocks.

Hayze Pottorff, Charlie Frank, and Ty Ledgerwood had 4 rebounds. Logan Hamilton, Kade Smith, and Jhet Rinehart had 2, and Will Richardson had 1.

Ty Ledgerwood, Hayze Pottorff, and Jhet Rinehart had 2 rebounds each. Myer Gibson and Will Richardson had 1.

Ty Ledgerwood had 3 tips. Hayze Pottorff, Jhet Rinehart, and Charlie Frank had 1.

Jhet Rinehart had 4 steals. Ty Ledgerwood had 3, Hayze Pottorff 2, and Will Richardson and Charlie Frank had 1.

The "B" game took on just as much intensity as the "A" game. North Harrison jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first behind three points from Myer Gibson and one from Kade Smith before Worth County began its comeback bid. Grayson Mullock cashed in off a pair of steals from Peyton Stephenson to tie it before a sixth grader, Kade Adams, drove to the rim, drew a foul, and cashed in at the line with nine seconds left to give the Tigers a 5-4 win.

For Worth County, Peyton Stephenson had 1 block.

Coy Pickering had 4 boards. Desmond Dannar had 2, and Jarrett Rush, Peyton Stephenson, and Case Downing had 1 each.

Peyton Stephenson had 2 assists. 

Peyton Stephenson had 2 tips. Jarrett Rush and Coy Pickering had 1.

Peyton Stephenson had 2 steals. Kade Adams, Grayson Mullock, and Jarrett Rush had 1.

For North Harrison, Keegan Parkhurst had 1 block.

Dayton Stevens had 2 rebounds. Conner Hicks and Will Richardson had 1. Dayton Stevens had 1 assist. Kade Smith and Keegan Parkhurst had 2 tips. Kade Smith, Myer Gibson, and Conner Hicks had 1 steal each.

Whistleblower Files Lawsuit Against Secretary of State

By Max Quinn, Missouri News Network

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins responded on Thursday to a lawsuit filed by his former director of election integrity, who said he was fired after reporting allegedly illegal and unethical conduct.

The secretary denied many of the accusations from former director Nicholas La Strada, a Republican who was hired by Hoskins, according to court documents.

In his lawsuit, La Strada claims Hoskins’ staff conspired to create a false whistleblower submission to use as evidence in a federal trial.

He also alleged Hoskins ordered a retabulation of write-in votes in Marshall after a complaint about this year’s April election.

Hoskins’ response states that La Strada’s disclosures are “materially false and a reasonable person would know they are false.”

He said La Strada had his administrative rights revoked to the Missouri Centralized Voter Registration system because he was allegedly making changes to voter audit logs.

Further, he said La Strada’s concerns about an affidavit in a federal trial were unprompted, as it was materially accurate and the plaintiff had no way of knowing what was inside it before he was terminated.

Hoskins said La Strada was terminated after he was told to meet with the deputy general counsel to prepare for the hearing and allegedly refused, among other reasons.

“Plaintiff by then had a history of not showing up to work, poor communication, unprofessional conduct, insubordination, and other misconduct to include refusing to go to meetings when he had disagreements with senior staff and Secretary Hoskins,” lawyers for Hoskins said in their response to the lawsuit.

The Secretary of State also disagreed with La Strada’s naming of him and the state of Missouri as defendants. Hoskins’ lawsuit claims only the Office of the Secretary of State is the correct party to sue.

His lawyers moved to strike his name from the litigation, according to court documents.

In September, the communications director for the Secretary of State’s Office, Anne Marie Moy, told KOMU 8 News that Hoskins would not comment on pending litigation involving a personnel matter.