Frank Grispino 1937-2026

Frank Darrell Grispino, Sr., 89, of Maryville, Missouri, passed on to eternal life on April 12, 2026. Frank passed from a broken heart, a testament to the depth of his love for his late wife, Vicki; while they were two, they were really one. After a lifetime of devotion to those he held dear, Frank was a man of immense character and stature, living a life defined by a fierce, unwavering devotion to his family. Frank was a wonderful father and, by all accounts, the absolute "best" grandfather to his three grandchildren. His commitment to his grandchildren was legendary; he looked forward to every activity they had and attended them all with pride, rarely missing a single game, performance, or milestone. He, along with his late wife, Vicki, anchored their family with a deep sense of loyalty and love that served as their North Star. To know Frank was to hear him. His family fondly remembers being "a little nervous" in public, never quite knowing what he was going to say-or exactly how loudly he was going to say it. His boisterous spirit and unfiltered joy were his trademarks, and while he may have kept his family on their toes, his presence ensured that they always knew how much he cared.

Frank's journey began with the foundational values of hard work and resilience, inherited from his parents, Italian immigrants from Cosenza, Italy. Though they arrived in this country with nothing and lived a modest, impecunious life, they instilled in him a powerful work ethic. By watching his father toil in the coal mines and his mother prepare meals from ingredients harvested in their large garden, Frank learned early on the value of hard work and the importance of self-reliance.

Frank's academic journey was nothing short of prestigious. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, before moving on to the University of Kansas (KU). There, he achieved both an Educational Specialist Degree and his Doctoral Degree in Leadership. Notably, Frank held the distinction of being the second youngest person in the history of KU to earn a doctorate-a testament to his sharp mind and tireless work ethic. After completing his academic journey, Frank and Vicki moved to Maryville 61 years ago. Maryville was initially a stepping stone, but they soon fell in love with the town and university and never left.

His professional journey was marked by nearly half a century of training future educators. At Northwest Missouri State University (NWMSU), Frank served with distinction as a faculty member, Department Chair, Acting Dean, and Dean. His excellence in the classroom was recognized with the Distinguished Faculty Award, and he was further honored with the Tower Service Award-the highest honor the university bestows on its employees for exceptional commitment to the institution and its mission. His legacy, however, extended far beyond Maryville; he was integral in the creation of the cooperative doctorate between NWMSU and the University of Missouri (MU), a program recognized for its innovation as the "Program of the Year" by the Carnegie Project on the Educational Doctorate (CPED). After 45 years of leadership and mentorship, he retired as Professor Emeritus.

Beyond the classroom, Frank was a man of many passions. In his younger years, he was the stand-up bass player for Mike Parice and the Rhythm Masters, performing weekly on KOAM-TV in Pittsburg, Kansas. He famously claimed to have the "strongest index finger in Southeast Kansas." It was at one of these dances that he met his beautiful wife, Vicki; his children frequently joked that she started out as his "groupie." Their deep commitment to one another remained the foundation of his life until her passing.

Frank's excellence was matched by a deep commitment to his community, country, and a wide range of personal passions. Frank was an avid painter and car enthusiast, he was a loyal Bearcat fan and a dedicated member of both the Rotary and the Knights of Columbus. His voice became a staple of local culture, serving for 20 years as the play-by-play announcer for the Maryville Spoofhound football team and routinely contributed to a column in the local newspaper. A historian at heart, he authored "Big Brutus: Highlights of the Coal Industry in Cherokee County, Kansas," chronicling the region's extensive mining legacy. Frank was a patriot; he served his country with the same dedication he showed his community, earning the rank of Captain in the Infantry for the United States Army.

Frank's parents preceded him in death, as well as his three sisters (Opal Grispino, Velma Brown, and Rose Henderson), two brother-in-laws (Gene Campbell and Richard Brown), and two nephews Rick Brown, and Jimmy Brown.

Frank is survived by his children, Frank (Susan) Grispino and Kristi (Paul Thompson) Alexander ; his cherished grandsons, Gage and Gunnar Grispino; his beautiful granddaughter, Ashlyn Alexander; his sister-in-law, Connie Campbell; his nephew, Gary Brown, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A family and parish Rosary was at 9:30 AM on Monday, April 20, 2026 at St. Gregory's. Following the Rosary, there was a visitation from 10 to 11 AM and funeral mass at 11 AM. A private burial followed mass at St. Mary's Cemetery, Maryville, Missouri. Arrangements are under the care of Bram Funeral Home.

James "Jim" Moutray 1949-2026

Editor — Jim was a long-time fixture at South Nodaway and Platte Valley sporting events for many years.

James "Jim" Moutray entered Heaven April 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born October 2, 1949 in Maryville, MO to George and Ruth (Barr) Moutray.

At the age of nine, he and his family moved from the Bolckow area to their family farm near Barnard where he attended South Nodaway R-IV and graduated in 1967. He also earned a degree in education from Northwest Missouri State University in 1972. He served in the Air National Guard from 1967-1975.

On November 11, 1972 he married the love of his life, Jan Napiecek, in Maryville, MO. They then moved to the country near Barnard, where they lived for the rest of their lives. He farmed and taught school at South Nodaway for three years, before farming full-time. He then became a rural mail carrier out of the Barnard Post Office, retiring in 2015 after 26 years of service. Jim also coached baseball, umpired softball games for area schools, drove a school bus for several years for both Maryville and South Nodaway, and also did the stadium announcing for South Nodaway and Platte Valley softball, baseball, and football.

Jim truly enjoyed being around kids and watching his kids grow up and participate in sports, playing golf, playing cards, attending Bearcat football games, and spending time with family and friends. Jim served on the South Nodaway School Board and was a member and elder of the Barnard Christian Church. His favorite jobs were being a dad and grandpa, especially spoiling the grandkids.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, mom, dad and grandparents. He is survived by his daughter Amy (Rod) Wolf of Barnard, son Josh (Stacey) Moutray of Barnard, four grandchildren, Allie and Delaney Wolf and Teagan and Finley Moutray, his special friend Linda Scott and his sisters, Mary (John) Bermond of Kansas City, and Linda (Phillip) Schieber of St. Joseph.  

There was a visitation on Monday, April 20, 2026 from 5 to 7 PM at Bram Funeral Home. A Funeral Service took place the next day at the same location at 10:00 AM. Burial followed at Barnard Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to the Barnard Christian Church at 319 Morehouse Street in Barnard. Arrangements are under the care of Bram Funeral Home.

 

Hali Smith Second at State for North Harrison FFA

Hali Smith was second overall at the State FFA Convention held recently for North Harrison. Her Livestock team was 9th overall, and both Hali and her team got a Group I (highest) rating. Other team members were Lani Briggs, Jaxcynn Hansel, and Andrew Craig.

The Agronomy team was 35th overall and got a Group II rating. Members were Rylee Valenti, Alonna Milligan, Kyler Kimbrough, and Ethan Henson.

The Poultry Team was 23rd overall, good enough for a Group II rating. Members were Creighton Graham, Jacoby Ballard, Meric Hansel, and Mason Hicks.

The Forestry Team was 26th overall, good enough for a Group II rating. Members were Lani Briggs, Jaxcynn Hansel, Kellan Craig, and Jensen Davis.

Henry Frank was 16th overall for the Dairy Cattle team and got a Group I rating. The team was 17th overall with a Group II rating. Other team members were Lance Jacobs, Cole Hartschen, and Baylor Hoffman.

Lela Hartschen was 19th overall for the Meats team, good enough for a Group I rating. The team finished 28th overall, getting a Group II rating. Other members were Addison Milligan, Bailee Barnhart, and Dustin Hamilton.

The Horses team was 37th overall. Team members were Ryker Fortner, Hali Smith, Wyatt Maize, and Devin Post.

Four Shamrocks got their State FFA degrees at the convention. They were Dustin Hamilton, Ethan Henson, Andrew Craig, and Lela Hartschen.

 

 

FBI Top Ten Most Wanted Suspect from Kansas City Arrested

The FBI announced Wednesday that Kashawn Nicola Roper, previously of Kansas City, was arrested. Previously, she had been placed on the FBI’s Top Ten Most Wanted List  on Tuesday, April 14th. She was placed on the list for her alleged involvement in a shooting on August 23rd, 2020 in Kansas City. During an altercation, the defendant allegedly fired multiple shots at a car which struck two female victims, resulting in the death of one of them.

On September 10th, 2020, the defendant was charged with Second Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon in Jackson County. On July 1st, 2021, the defendant was charged in federal court with Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution.

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

The arrest occurred in High Springs (FL) by the High Springs Police Department with assistance from the Alachua County (FL) Sheriff’s Department and the US Marshall’s Office. The arrest was made following tips related to the April 14th announcement.

 

 

Chase Sims Hired as North Nodaway PE Teacher; Nathan Schoonover Resigns as Business Teacher

The North Nodaway School Board hired Chase Sims as a new PE Teacher for the 2026-27 school year. The board accepted the resignation of Nathan Schoonover as the Business Teacher at the end of the current school year.

Hired or rehired for the upcoming school year were Christi Fountain (Food Services Director), Kristi Stricker (MS/HS Building Secretary), Lindsay Alexander (Elementary Building Secretary), Chariza Gladman (Assistant Cook), Corey Everhart (Assistant Cook), Dustin Stringer (Bus Driver), Ron Thompson (Bus Driver), Angie Titus (Bus Driver), Halley Wilmes (Preschool Teacher), Kasey Drummond (Paraprofessional), Stephanie DeLeon (Paraprofessional), Emily Higgins (Paraprofessional), Haley Null (Paraprofessional), Bo Hansen (Maintenance Supervisor), Teresa Thompson (Elementary Custodian), Jerald Everhart (MS/HS Custodian), Nicki Herndon (Technology Coordinator), Linda Russell (District Nurse), and Tiffany Whipple (District Bookkeeper). Board member Stan Alexander abstained on the vote for Lindsay Alexander. All other votes were unanimous.

The board reorganized following the April election. Jennifer Clements, Stan Alexander, and Megan Roberts were sworn in. There was no election since there were three candidates and three positions open. The board named Jennifer Clements as President, Stan Alexander as Vice-President, Krista Barcus as MSBA Delegate, and Tiffany Whipple as Board Secretary and Treasurer.

The board voted to add Tristen Buss to the Substitute Teacher list.

The board voted to approve the bid from Chris Kiddo to refinish the big gym floors and put new wood flooring in the small gym at a cost of $63,150.

The board set the substitute daily pay rate at $120 and long-term substitute pay as $189.35.

The board approved 15 graduates for the school. They are Stetsyn Brown, Sadee Clapp, Blaine Clements, Jordan DeLeon, Laythen Ebrecht, Aryianna Jimenez, Emily Keho, Kaeden Nave, Landon Parman, Lacy Riley, Draven Rowland, Gannon Volner, Casey Wray, Jackie Wray, and Trevin Wyllie.

Elementary Principal Heather Townsend reported that the school conducted preschool screenings. There were 14 screenings. Five will be new to the program. There will be four returning and seven entering Kindergarten. There are three other families who have Kindergarteners coming in.

The Elementary Student Council hosted an Egg Extravagance. Contestants guessed how many jelly beans were in a jar, and the winner got $1 for each bean that was in the jar. The winner earned $106.

There was a building-wide egg hunt outside the playground on April 1st. Emberlynn Vinzant found the golden egg and won the stuffed peep.

High School Principal Cody Jenkins reported that MAP testing started April 21st and will run through May 6th. DARE graduation was held April 21st at the Big Gym. The North Nodaway Prom will be April 25th with the theme, “Glitz and Glam.” The Grand March will be at 6:30 pm and the Prom will be at 7:00 pm. The FFA Banquet will be April 29th at 6:30 pm in the Big Gym. The Fine Arts Night and Music Concert will be May 4th at 5:30 pm with the music concert at 6:30 pm. The Scholarship and Academic Banquet will be May 8th at 6:00 pm.

A National History Day competition will be April 25th in Columbia. Robbie Forney and Conner Reeves will be competing.

So far, ten students have signed up for Vo-Tech for next year.

Free sports physicals will be May 6th for all students currently in grades 5 through 11 who plan to participate in MSHSAA athletic activities. Physicals must be on file for students to play or practice in MSHSAA sanctioned sports.

The last day of school for seniors will be May 8th if they are going on the Senior Trip. If they are not going, the last day will be May 15th.

Superintendent Chris Turpin reported that the school is looking into switching the elementary AC/heating to a simpler system. Currently, it costs $1,000 for the technician just to show up plus $255/hour and a $250 trip charge.

A Comprehensive School District Improvement Plan meeting was held on April 8th. Goals will be raising reading and math scores, improving school culture, enduring college and/or career readiness, and improving parent communication.

The Pickering sign is ordered and the DOT has approved the location. It will take 5-6 weeks to build.

All buses passed their recent Highway Patrol inspection.

The board named extra duty assignments for the upcoming school year. Dallas Giedd will return as the Head Football Coach for Platte Valley, which North Nodaway is a part of. Other assignments include Sami Jackson (Athletic Director), Jody Thompson (Volleyball), Karissa Oberhauser (Assistant Volleyball), Lindsay Alexander (Junior High Volleyball), Chariza Gladman (Assistant Junior High Volleyball), Cody Bix (Boys Basketball), Sami Jackson (Girls Basketball), Chase Sims (Assistant Boys Basketball), Madison (Thompson) Geib (Assistant Girls Basketball), Audrey Trimble (Junior High Girls Basketball), Cody Bix (Baseball), Chase Sims (Cross Country), Ashley Marriott (High School and Junior High Basketball Cheer), Emily Higgins (Flag), Cameron Morrison (A+), Victor West and Emily Bix (Senior Class Sponsors), Cindy Martin and Reid Hart (Junior Class Sponsors), Cameron Morrison (High School Student Council), Reid Hart (Middle School Student Council), Tiffany Whipple (School Paper), Emily Bix (High School Play), Kyle Fitzgerald (Instrumental & Vocal Music), Troy Nally (FFA), Emily Bix (Middle School and High School Scholar Bowl), Chase Sims and Sami Jackson (Weightlifting), Emily Bix (National Honor Society), Heather Townsend (Special Ed Coordinator), Cameron Morrison (District Test Coordinator), Linda Russell (Elementary Student Council), Sami Jackson (Elementary Lead Teacher), Troy Nally (MS/HS Lead Teacher), and Reid Hart (History Day).

Reid Hart, Cindy Martin, and Kyle Fitzgerald are unpaid sophomore sponsors.

 

Worth County Hires New Bus Driver, Reorganizes Board

The Worth County School Board reorganized following the April election. Adam Downing, Jared Harding, and Michael Mullock were sworn in after they had run unopposed. The board named Tish Warner as President, Brad Maudlin as Vice-President, Amanda Gilland as Treasurer, and Christy Scadden as Secretary.

The board also hired Amber Monticue as a new bus driver. The district still has an opening for a route bus driver and a custodian.

The third grade teachers shared about the progress their students were making throughout the year.

Elementary Principal Amber Hawk reported that all parent/teacher conferences had at least an 89% participation rate by parents.

Third and Fourth graders went to the Northwest Missouri State University Recycling Center. Pre-K and K will be going to Inspire U May 5th. First through third grades will be going to the Remington Nature Center and Bode Arena on May 13th. Fourth through sixth graders will go to Belt Entertainment in St. Joseph. Fifth graders will go to the annual Fishing Clinic on May 4th at the Seat Farm. Students who get sent to the office after April 27th will not be allowed to go on the class field trip.

An elementary career day will be held at the school on April 21st.

A MAP kickoff party will be held Wednesday, April 22nd. Testing for elementary students will  be April 23rd.

The Worth County Elementary Spring Concert will be May 6th at 6:00 pm in the High School Gym. Elementary Track Day will be Friday, May 8th starting at 8:30 am. Pre-K Graduation will be held on May 14th at 6:00 pm in the Multipurpose room. An awards day will be held in the High School Gym May 14th starting at 8:30 am.

High School Principal Josh Smith reported on some of the things students have been learning. Geometry students have been making constructions using geometric figures. 8th grade math students have been working with two dimensional figures. Ag Science I students have been identifying hand tools and learning their proper function and safe use.

The sophomores won the March Attendance Challenge with an attendance rate of 95.93%. They were followed by the juniors and then the freshmen.

The school is seeking to build a storage building on the south end of the high school gym during the summer. The school is also seeking to do concrete work.

For summer school, the school will offer credit recovery for students from grades 7-12. The board hired Merry Spiers and Kelley Ross and will pay them a stipend of $2,025 each.

 

 

 

Leroy Gillespie 1939-2026

 Leroy Dean Gillespie, age 86, Stanberry, Missouri, formerly of Pattonsburg, Missouri died Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at the Mosaic Medical Center in Albany, Missouri.

Leroy was born October 23, 1939 in Bethany, Missouri.  He was the son of Garvin Avory and Winifred Charline (Craig) Gillespie.

Leroy was a graduate of Bethany Southwest High School, Bethany.

He was united in marriage to Nina Mae (Robertson) on November 18, 1975.  Leroy and Nina enjoyed 50 years of married life together.

Leroy was a truck driver for most of his life.  He also enjoyed working at many other jobs if someone needed help.

He was preceded in death by his parents Garvin (2/9/1983) and Winifred (9/2/2008), and an infant sister.

His survivors include Wife Nina of the home, children Peggy (Bill) Evans and family, Donnie Gillespie and family, Linda (Rick) Atkison and family, Kim (Tom) Miller and family, two step-sons James (Thaila) Robertson and family, 

Don (Hilary) Robertson and family, host of other friends and loved ones.

Leroy has been cremated under the care of the Hann Funeral Home, Grant City, Missouri.  Memorial graveside services will be held at a later date in the White Oak Cemetery (White Oak Union Church) New Hampton, Missouri.

Arrangements: andrewshannfuneralhome.com